USING COMMAS CORRECTLY

Using commas correctly is an important skill in writing clear sentences.

LV4 Commas.ppt

1. ITEMS IN A SERIES*A. Willis Library has a reference desk

and coffee shop on the first floor.

B. Willis Library has a reference desk, a computer lab, and coffee shop on the first floor.

Why are commas used in sentence B, but not sentence A?

(B.) When there are three or more items in a series, use a comma between each item, including the last two. Follow this pattern: 1, 2, and 3.

* “Series” refers to a list of three or more items. The items must be grammatically equal structures (e.g., noun, noun, and noun).

2. INDEPENDENT CLAUSES

The Science Library has cookbooks, and Willis Library has current periodicals.

Pattern: S +V, and S + V.

for and nor but or yet so

Connect independent clauses with FANBOYS:

3. NONESSENTIAL INFORMATION Use commas to separate nonessential

information from the rest of the sentence. It will be considered “nonessential” if you can take it out and the sentence still makes sense.

Ex. 1 My brother is the quarterback of the team.

Ex. 2. What she just said, if you feel you must know, was that she thinks you are obnoxious.

Ex. 3 The meek teacher, surprisingly, yelled at everyone yesterday.

4. INTRODUCTORY DEPENDENT CLAUSES (FOLLOWED BY AN INDEPENDENT CLAUSES)

1. After the librarian demonstrated Boolean logic, she searched the database for articles.

Note the position of the dependent clause:Dependent clause, independent clause. (comma)

2. The librarian searched the database for articles after she demonstrated Boolean logic.

Independent clause dependent clause. (no comma)

5. INTRODUCTORY PHRASES: SHORT(REMEMBER: PHRASES DON’T HAVE A SUBJECT AND VERB LIKE CLAUSES DO.)

A. In 1977, IELI began to offer English classes to international students.

B. Tomorrow morning I have a doctor’s appointment.

(A.) In 1977 is an introductory phrase. Use a comma to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause.

Why is no comma used in sentence B?

(B.) Sometimes short introductory phrases (1-3 words) do not need commas.

Why is a comma used in sentence A?

6. INTRODUCTORY WORDS - INTERJECTIONS

A. Yes, I will help you study for the exam.

B. Suddenly, there was no one else in the room; I was all by myself.

7. CITY AND STATE

A. IELI is located in Denton, Texas.B. Denton, Texas, is a small town.

(A.)The city and state are at the end of the sentence. Use a comma between the city and the state.

Why is a comma used in sentence B?

(B.) The city and state are at the beginning (or middle) of the sentence. The state is parenthetical information. Therefore, commas are used before and after the state.

Why is a comma used in sentence A?

8. MONTH, DAY, AND YEAR

A. The first day of class was March 20, 2003.

B. The first day of class was March 20.

C. The first day of class was March 2003.

(A.) With month, day, and year, use a comma before the year.

(B.) With month and day, do not use a comma.

(C.) With month and year, do not use a comma.

Why is a comma used in sentence A, but not in B or C?

USING COMMAS CORRECTLY

Directions: Correct the punctuation of these sentences by adding commas as needed. (Note: In some sentences the comma may be optional.)

1. When I lived in New York I walked to work.

2. Andrew is a tall handsome man.

3. Steve owns a horse and he likes to ride it on the weekends.

4. In 1999 Lisa moved to California.

5. My little brother was born in Chicago Illinois on April 5 1980.

6. Alice likes to run hop and jump when she is at the playground.

7. At the exact stroke of midnight four cats began to howl.

8. At noon we will take a break for lunch.

9. In one hour we will begin writing a composition.

10.Suddenly Sam grabbed his gun and headed for the door.

11.Tomorrow Barbara is going to go to the beach.

12.Our teacher George Smith graduated from the University of Maryland.

USING COMMAS CORRECTLY: Answer Key

Directions: Correct the punctuation of these sentences by adding commas as needed. (Note: In some sentences the comma may be optional.)

1. When I lived in New York, I walked to work.

2. Andrew is a tall, handsome man.

3. Steve owns a horse, and he likes to ride it on the weekends.

4. In 1999, Lisa moved to California.

5. My little brother was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 5, 1980.

6. Alice likes to run, hop, and jump when she is at the playground.

7. At the exact stroke of midnight, four cats began to howl.

8. At noon, we will take a break for lunch.

9. In one hour, we will begin writing a composition.

10. Suddenly, Sam grabbed his gun and headed for the door.

11. Tomorrow Barbara is going to go to the beach. (This is one of those you can put a comma, but don’t have to have one!)

12. Our teacher, George Smith, graduated from the University of Maryland.