Using Commas properly vol. 1: sentences with clauses

1. Using Commas properly vol. 1: sentences with clauses

2. Using Commas properly in a sentence with clauses Proper punctuation is an important component of the grammar grade in your fsa writing exam score. In these slides we will build on your knowledge of clauses and let you know some of the do’s and donts regarding comma and semi-colon placement in sentences with clauses.

3. Universal comma – conjunction rule Commas never immediately follow conjunctions, they only come immediately before them. Correct = , conjunction Incorrect = conjunction ,

4. Commas in compound sentences When the second independent clause in a compound sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is always needed before the coordinating conjunction (I, cI): Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

5. Commas in compound sentences if the second independent clause in a compound sentence does not begin with a coordinating conjunction, a semi-colon or a period is always needed in between the clauses (I; I) (I. I): Ex: Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz;(or .) it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

6. Independent marker words An independent marker word is a connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause. These words can always begin a sentence that can stand alone (unlike coordinating conjunctions) and are usually followed by a comma. When the second independent clause in a sentence has an independent marker word, a semicolon is needed before the independent marker word (I; imI).

7. Independent marker words Some common independent markers are:  also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover,  nevertheless, and therefore. an example of an independent marker in a sentence: Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz;however,it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

8. Commas in complex sentences if a complex sentence begins with the dependent clause, it must have a comma after it (D, I): Whenever a substitute taught the class, the students acted differently. if a complex sentence begins with an independent clause, no comma is needed (I D): The students acted differently whenever a substitute taught the class

9. Commas in compound - complex sentences When a sentence begins with a dependent clause that applies to the two independent clauses that follow, insert a comma after the dependent clauseand between the independent clauses (D, I, cI). Ex: If we want this business to work, you need to find suppliers,and I need to find buyers.

10. Commas in compound - complex sentences When a sentence begins with a dependent clause but there is no coordinating conjunction in between the following independent clauses, a semi-colon must be used (D, I; I). Ex: If we want this business to work, you need to find suppliers;I need to find buyers.

11. Commas in compound - complex sentences Reminder: if an independent clause is ever in front of a dependent clause you do not put a comma between them. This applies to compound-complex sentences as well (I, cI D) (I; I D). Ex: Ineed to find buyers, and you need to find suppliers if we want this business to work. Ex: I need to find buyers; you need to find suppliers if we want this business to work.

12. Commas in compound - complex sentences When a dependent clause occurs between two independent clauses and applies only to the second, the dependent clause should be set off with commas. Ex: The prime minister’s plan seemed quickly and sloppily put together, and when they saw it, the opposition party immediately attacked it.

13. Now we will go over some of the most common errors with commas you should to try to avoid

14. Comma splices A comma splice is the use of a comma between two independent clauses that are not connected by a coordinating conjunction. You can usually fix this error by changing the comma to a period and therefore making the two clauses into two separate sentences, by changing the comma to a semicolon, or by making one clause dependent by inserting a subordinate conjunction in front of it.

15. Comma splices Grammatically Incorrect: I like this class, it is very interesting. Grammatically Correct: I like this class. It is very interesting. (or) I like this class; it is very interesting. (or) I like this class, and it is very interesting. (or) I like this class because it is very interesting. (or) Because it is very interesting, I like this class.

16. Fused sentences Fused sentences happen when there are two independent clauses not separated by any form of punctuation. This error is also known as a run-on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences.

17. Fused sentences Grammatically Incorrect: My professor is intelligent I've learned a lot from her. Grammatically Correct: My professor is intelligent. I've learned a lot from her. (or) My professor is intelligent; I've learned a lot from her. (or) My professor is intelligent, and I've learned a lot from her. (or) My professor is intelligent; moreover, I've learned a lot from her.

18. Sentence fragments Sentence fragments happen by treating a dependent clause or other type of incomplete thought as a complete sentence. You can usually fix this error by combining it with another sentence to make a complete thought or by removing the subordinate conjunction.

19. Sentence fragments Grammatically Incorrect: Because I forgot the exam was today. Grammatically Correct: Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn't study. (complex sentence) (or) I forgot the exam was today.

20. Powerpoint available on class website http://mukasa8th.wordpress.com/