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Commas in compound sentences Rule #6

Commas in compound sentences Rule #6. Use a comma before a conjunction in all sentences joined by “FANBOYS” FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so There must be a sentence before and after the comma Example: Jeff prefers pizza, but Kelly loves pasta.

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Commas in compound sentences Rule #6

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  1. Commas in compound sentencesRule #6 • Use a comma before a conjunction in all sentences joined by “FANBOYS” • FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so • There must be a sentence before and after the comma • Example: Jeff prefers pizza, but Kelly loves pasta. • Example: She will not attend the class, nor will she study. • WRONG: I understand the material, yet failed the test. • Correct: I understand the material, yet I failed the test.

  2. Commas with Introductory Elements • Introductory element = a word, phrase, or clause that comes before the main clause. • To see if you need a comma, cover up what you consider to be the introductory element. If a complete sentence follows, you need a comma.

  3. Introductory wordsRule #9a • Example: Yes, she is my sister. • Example: Well, I don’t believe her. • Example: However, he tells a good story.

  4. Introductory PhrasesRule #9b • Example: To tell the truth, I once believed him. • Example: In just a minute, I will return your papers. • Example: As a matter of fact, I am gullible.

  5. Introductory ClausesRule#9c • An introductory clause is a dependent clause that appears at the beginning of a sentence. A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but the clause cannot stand independently. • Dependent clauses can often be identified by markers (because, since, when, while, until, if, as, though, although, unless, after, before, once, whether, etc.) • Example: If you will listen, I will explain the situation. • Example: Although she is short, she appears tall. • Example: Since it was raining, we stayed inside. • WRONG: I went on the rollercoaster, because my brother dared me. • Correct: I went on the rollercoaster because my brother dared me. • Correct: Because my brother dared me, I went on the rollercoaster.

  6. Commas with Nonessential Phrases and Clauses (Interrupting Elements)Rule #12 • A nonessential phrase/clause (a.k.a. interrupting element) adds extra information to a sentence but can be left out without changing the meaning of the sentence. Make sure the element is not a modifier. • Place commas around these phrases/clauses/elements. • Example: Jon, who is my cousin, won the race. • Example: He has, in fact, won several races.

  7. Commas in ListsRule #7a • Use commas in a list to divide items in order to avoid confusion. • The Oxford/Harvard/serial comma: use a comma before “and” in a series. • Example: I bought oranges, apples, and bananas.

  8. Commas with adjectivesRule #7b • Use a comma between two or more adjectives that can be interchanged in order. • If you can place “and” between the adjectives, there needs to be a comma between them. • Example: Jack is a cranky, ungrateful man.

  9. SemicolonsRules #21 & 22 • Semicolons are like fancy periods (NOT fancy commas) that separate two (related) complete sentences or independent clauses. If the semicolon cannot be replaced with a period, it is incorrect. • Use semicolons between two sentences joined with transition words (“however,” “nevertheless,” “hence,” “moreover,” “thus”) or introductory elements. • Example: I really enjoyed the book; however, it was difficult. • Example: Alan isn’t simply a good man; he is a saint. • Example: She was speeding on a wet road; as a result, she had a serious accident. • WRONG: Lizzie hates peas; preferring broccoli instead. • Correct: Lizzie hates peas; she prefers broccoli instead. • WRONG: Because I lost my dance shoes; I was late for the recital. • Correct: I lost my dance shoes; I was late for the recital.

  10. Colons • A complete sentence must precede (come before) a colon.

  11. Colonswith Descriptions/ListsRule #24 A colon introduces a description, particularly a list (especially after the phrases “as follows” or “following”). • Example: I bought the following fruit: apples, peaches, and pears. • Example: I bought three things: ink, paper, and a pen.

  12. Colons with Explanations/DefinitionsRule # 25 • Use a colon to introduce an explanation/effect of a previous statement/fact. • Example: I could think of only one reason for her behavior: insanity. • Example: She has one main flaw: greed. • Example: Soren loves the letter J: the tenth letter of the alphabet.

  13. Colons with Long QuotationsRule # 26 • Use a colon to introduce a long, formal quotation (four or more lines long).

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