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Rethinking Punctuation

Rethinking Punctuation. Focus on Clauses. The principle function of the comma is to demarcate (separate) clauses. Clauses make up sentences Multi-sentence sentences, or complex sentences, are an efficient way to deliver information Good writers skillfully deploy complex sentences

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Rethinking Punctuation

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  1. Rethinking Punctuation Focus on Clauses

  2. The principle function of the comma is to demarcate (separate) clauses • Clauses make up sentences • Multi-sentence sentences, or complex sentences, are an efficient way to deliver information • Good writers skillfully deploy complex sentences • CAVEAT: TW does not favor sentences with too many clauses

  3. 2 types of clauses • Independent (main) clauses – are grammatically complete and can stand alone. Example: “technical writing is initially difficult” • Dependent (subordinate) clauses – are grammatically incomplete and cannot stand on their own. (Using a dependent clause as a sentence results in a “sentence fragment”). Example: “because it is so different from writing in other college courses” – this cannot be a sentence, even if you add a period and capitalize the b.

  4. Clause Combining • Put a dependent clause and an independent clause together, and you have a complex sentence: Example: “Because technical writing is so different from writing in other college courses, it is initially difficult.”

  5. Examples: Dependent (subordinate) Clauses • Introductory (at start of sentence, preceding main clause) • Concluding (at end of sentence) • Appositive (apposition: can interrupt the main, independent clause) In general, dependent clauses add information. Because they do this without requiring a whole new sentence, they can improve your efficiency.

  6. Introductory Dependent Clauses(Examples) • Based on the research, _________________. • According to the author, ________________. • Unlike the previous example, ____________. • Like the previous example, ______________. • In contrast to X, Y _____________________. • Because of the economic downturn, ______________________________. • In order to promote efficiency, ___________.

  7. Concluding Dependent Clauses (Examples) • __________________, despite the economic downturn. • Galileo noted a number of nebulae, a classification that encompasses several distinct categories of object. • The instructor discussed complex sentences, which contain more than one clause.

  8. Dependent Clauses Can Interrupt Main Clauses Example: Mike Stiber, the chair of CSS, is committed to excellence in instruction. Robin Williams, a renowned author of a bookon design, illustrates C.R.A.P. principles.

  9. Clauses and Punctuation: Rules • In technical writing, you must use commas to demarcate even short, introductory subordinate clauses. • You cannot use a comma to join TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES (this is what we call a “comma splice). • You can use a semicolon to join TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. • You cannot use a semicolon between and IC and a DC (including a list) (exception, compound series). • To set up a DC (including a list), a colon is appropriate.

  10. Examples: Insert the Missing Commas According to the author a renowned expert in cybersecurity the cloud offers less privacy your personal computer. In addition to the immediate cost-cutting benefits the layoffs will result in long-term savingsincluding reducing employee pension payouts. Because of time limits the project was incomplete.

  11. 4 WAYS to Fix a Comma Splice 1. Change the comma to a period to create two sentences. 2. Leave the comma where it is, but follow it with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.) 3. Replace the comma with a semicolon. 4. Revise the sentence using a subordinate structure (turn one of the two ICs into a DC).

  12. Fixing Comma Splices: Revisions ORIGINAL SENTENCE (comma splice) – Structure IC, IC [DNE] The annual report includes forecasts, these are generally positive. • The annual report includes forecasts. These are generally positive. • The annual report includes forecasts, and these are generally positive. • The annual report includes forecasts; these are generally positive. • The annual report includes forecasts, which are generally positive.

  13. Functions of Dependent Clauses • Provide context, reasons, or background • Explanatory information • Put qualifications or limits on the meaning of the main clause • Give temporal or spatial cues • Identify or define • Set up contrasts or point up similarity In general, dependent clauses add more information to the content of the main clause (the IC)

  14. The main idea is in the main (independent) clause. Dependent clauses provide secondary information. Accordingly, your clausal structure signals the relative importance of ideas – it helps the reader understand your emphasis. Example: Despite its critics, outsourcing continues to be a prime corporate strategy. Until further notice, overtime has been banned.

  15. A word about pace …. • More clauses per sentence  slower pace • Fewer clauses  faster pace

  16. Punctuation Schemata (“Do’s” and “Don’t’s”) • IC, DC OR DC, IC etc. is fine • IC, IC ….. DNE (comma splice) • IC; DC …. DNE (improper use of semicolon) • IC: DC is perfectly fine (semicolon = “as follows” and is fine for setting up a DC)

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