Using Commas Appropriately with Introductory Clauses and with Conjunctions

Using Commas Appropriately with Introductory Clauses and with Conjunctions ESL220 .1 / Stahl June 24, 2010 Presentation # 1 Group #1 M. Hazzazi Rasha Ali Lu Dicong

A comma After Introductory Elements • A Comma Before coordinate conjunctions

Commas After Introductory Elements • Introductory element can be words, phrases, and clauses . • Commas should be used after introductory word groups. Why? • To avoid confusion by clarifying elements and their relationships.

Introductory Words • Introductory words are like firstly, also, however, still, moreover and etc. • When a sentence begin with introductory word instead of subject, a comma must be used to separate the introduction from the rest of the sentence. Example: 1. Apparently, we should study hard to pass this class. Introductory word Comma 2. Still , banning smoking is a debatable issue.

Introductory Phrases • Introductory phrase is a group of words that cannot stand alone and can be found at the beginning of a sentence. Example: 1. Hoping to pass the exam, we study hard. Introductory phrase Comma 2. After doing her laundry,Sarah went shopping.

Introductory Clauses • An introductory clause is a dependent clause that introduces the main sentence. • Introductory clauses could be started with adverbs like after, although, as, as if, because, even, even though, if, since, unless, until, when, etc. Example: • Even though I did not feel well,I went to school and took the test. Introductory clause Comma 2. Because he studied hard,he passed the class.

Notes • It is acceptable to skip a comma after most brief introductory elements. Example: Yesterdaywe sat around waiting for John to arrive. • The comma must not separate the subject from the verb. Example: wrong place By end of this semester we, will satisfy the English proficiency that required from MSU.

A Comma Beforecoordinating conjunctions • The coordinating conjunctions are for, and, or, yet, nor, but, so. • These words are most frequently used to bond two Independent clauses. (two subjects and two verbs that satisfy two complete thoughts)

Examples: 1)I am doing my homework, and he is watching TV. Independent clause Independent clause comma 2) He bought a car,but he did not know how to drive it. Independent clause Independent clause comma

Note • Don’t use a comma, if the word groups are not independent clauses. Examples: 1) My brother bought two jeans but did not buy anything else. Independent clause Dependent clause 2) My classmate is richandhandsome. Conjunction between two words. 3) My wallet is in my car oron the desk. Conjunction between two phrases. • You can omit the comma, if the two independent clauses are short. Examples: I study hard so I pass the exam

References • The Brief McGraw-Hill Handbook 2009, Elaine P. Maimon, Janice H. Peritz and Kathleen Blake. • Commas After Introductions http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/03/ • Rules for Comma Usage http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm • Commas http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/commas.html

Using Commas Appropriately with Introductory Clauses and with Conjunctions