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The Comma Cabana

The Comma Cabana. English 101 Karl Fornes. Four Uses for Commas ( SMH Ch. 48) . To separate items in a series To connect independent clauses with a conjunction To isolate introductory material To isolate “nonessential” material. Separating Items in a Series . Must be more than two items

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The Comma Cabana

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  1. The Comma Cabana English 101 Karl Fornes

  2. Four Uses for Commas (SMH Ch. 48) • To separate items in a series • To connect independent clauses with a conjunction • To isolate introductory material • To isolate “nonessential” material

  3. Separating Items in a Series • Must be more than two items • If the items have commas within them, then use semi-colons • Do you need a comma before the final item in the series? It’s up to you!

  4. Connecting Independent Clauses • “Independent” clauses are clauses that can stand alone as sentences. • Because they are so independent, commas need help to hold these clauses together. • They get this help from the FANBOYS.

  5. Connecting Independent ClausesCoordinating Conjunctions F or A nd N or B ut (SMH Page 589) O r Y et S o

  6. Connecting Independent ClausesSome Independent Clauses • Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella. • The bartender gave him a Coke. Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella, but the bartender gave him a Coke.

  7. Connecting Independent ClausesSome Independent Clauses • Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella. • He wandered over to the tiki hut. Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella, and (so?) he wandered over to the tiki hut. Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella and wandered over to the tiki hut.

  8. Isolating Introductory MaterialDependent Clauses • Dependent clauses are, well, “dependent” on the main (“independent”) clause of a sentence. • Some subordinating conjunctions because, although, while, until, and before, when (SMH page 590)

  9. Isolating Introductory MaterialDependent Clauses • When a dependent clause begins a sentence, a comma is needed to connect it to the independent clause. • A comma is not necessary if the dependent clause ends the sentence.

  10. Isolating Introductory MaterialDependent Clauses • Although he was not old enough to drink alcohol, Jim ordered a pina colada. • The bartender did not serve him because Jim was not twenty one. • Because they determine when to use commas, students need to know their subordinating and coordinating conjunctions.

  11. Isolating Introductory MaterialConjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases • Conjunctive adverbs and transitions are like conjunctions because they connect ideas. • Because they connect ideas across sentences (or between semi-colons), they work with commas differently than conjunctions. • However, nevertheless, furthermore, meanwhile, consequently, on the other hand, in fact, therefore, etc. (SMH page 590 and 673)

  12. Isolating Introductory MaterialConjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases • Jim was dying of thirst and wanted a pina colada. Nevertheless, he was not twenty one, and the bartender refused to serve him alcohol. • I am getting sick of Jim and his issues. As a result, we will discuss other people in future examples. Specifically, we will discuss USC Aiken students.

  13. Isolating “Nonessential” MaterialConjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases • Occasionally, conjunctive adverbs and transitions will come in the middle of the sentence. When that occurs, two commas will be necessary to isolate the “nonessential” material. • USCA students, of course, can serve as perfect examples.

  14. Isolating “Nonessential” MaterialNonrestrictive Modifiers • Modifiers are phrases that refer to a specific element within the sentence. • Nonrestrictive modifiers provide information about an element in the sentence that is not essential to understanding the element that they modify.

  15. Isolating “Nonessential” MaterialNonrestrictive Modifiers What’s the difference between these two sentences? • USCA students, who are lazy and do not study, do not perform well in class. • USCA students who are lazy and do not study do not perform well in class.

  16. Isolating “Nonessential” MaterialNonrestrictive Modifiers • The first sentence does not “restrict” the number of USCA students. Therefore, it says that all USCA students are lazy and do not do well. • The second sentence “restricts” the number of USCA students. Consequently, it says that only some USCA students are lazy and do not do well.

  17. Once Again, The “Big Four” • To separate items in a series • To connect independent clauses with a conjunction • To isolate introductory material • To isolate “nonessential” material

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