Commas and Semicolons

1. Commas and Semicolons A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop

2. Four Basic Rules • 1. Commas precede coordinating conjunctions when they link independent clauses. • 2. Commas are needed after introductory words, phrases, and clauses that come before the main clause.

3. Four Basic Rules • 3. Commas are used to separate items in a series. • 4. Commas are used to set off nonessential word groups or parenthetical clauses.

4. Rule 1: Commas precede coordinating conjunctions when they link *independent clauses. Example: • The minutes would pass, and then suddenly Einstein would stop pacing as his face relaxed into a gentle smile. *An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that can or does stand alone as a sentence.

5. Independent Clause: The minutes would pass • , and • Independent Clause: then suddenly Einstein would stop pacing . . .

6. Other Conjunctions: • but • or • for • nor • so • yet

7. Common Errors: • If you use a comma without a conjunction you have a comma splice. Incorrect: The minutes would pass, then Einstein would stop pacing… • If you omit the comma and the conjunction you have a run-on sentence. Incorrect: The minutes would pass then Einstein would stop pacing…

8. Corrections (besides comma and conjunction): • Use a semicolon between the independent clauses in the sentence. Example: • The minutes would pass; then suddenly Einstein would stop pacing… .

9. Rule 2: Commas are needed after introductory words, phrases, and clauses that come before the main clause. Example: • Well, perhaps he meant no harm. In fact, he wanted to help.

10. Introductory words: • no • well • yes • however • first • in fact

11. Introductory Phrases: long prepositional phrases (usually four words or more): Example: • Due to his determination not to get a “C,” he did all his homework.

12. Introductory Phrases: with -ing verbals, -ed verbals, and to+ verbs : • Having finished the test before the bell rang, he left the room. • Tired of never having enough money, she took a second job. • To get a seat close to the stage, you’d better come early.

13. Rule 3: Commas are used to separate items in a series. Example: • The movie was action packed, suspenseful, and romantic. The comma before “and” is preferred.

14. Words, phrases, and clauses in a series: Example: • He spoke to Julio, then called his roommate, and finally phoned me.

15. Rule 4: Commas are used to set off nonessential words groups (parenthetical clauses). Example: • The restaurant, which only serves breakfast and lunch, was closed. When a nonessential clause is removed, the meaning of the main clause is the same.

16. Word groups following nouns that identify or explain the nouns are nonessential and need commas. Examples: • Uncle Ike, a doctor, smoked too much even though he warned his patients not to smoke. • She is a good friend, a person whom I trust and admire.

17. One Final Rule #5: Commas occasionally may be needed for ease of reading, and clarity. Example: • Still, water must be transported.

18. Additional comments • Be consistent when using commas. • A comma’s main purpose is to add clarity for the reader. • When in doubt - don’t.

19. The Semicolon

20. Semicolon Guidelines for Usage: • 1. Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. Example: • Some French fries are greasy; some are not.

21. 2. Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs when they are used to join independent clauses. Example: • Some french fries are greasy; however, others are not.

22. Conjunctive Adverbs • also • consequently • nevertheless • therefore • then • still

23. General Rule • Semicolons connect units of equal grammatical rank.

24. The Learning Enhancement Center is designed to serve the students of CCC. We are eager to be a facilitator of successful learning. Please let us know what your needs are, and we will design ways to meet them. Thank you for attending this workshop.