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Commas and Semicolons. A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop. 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. Four Basic Rules.
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Commas and Semicolons A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop
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.
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.
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.
Independent Clause: The minutes would pass • , and • Independent Clause: then suddenly Einstein would stop pacing . . .
Other Conjunctions: • but • or • for • nor • so • yet
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…
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… .
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.
Introductory words: • no • well • yes • however • first • in fact
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.
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.
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.
Words, phrases, and clauses in a series: Example: • He spoke to Julio, then called his roommate, and finally phoned me.
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.
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.
One Final Rule #5: Commas occasionally may be needed for ease of reading, and clarity. Example: • Still, water must be transported.
Additional comments • Be consistent when using commas. • A comma’s main purpose is to add clarity for the reader. • When in doubt - don’t.
Semicolon Guidelines for Usage: • 1. Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. Example: • Some French fries are greasy; some are not.
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.
Conjunctive Adverbs • also • consequently • nevertheless • therefore • then • still
General Rule • Semicolons connect units of equal grammatical rank.
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.