Punctuation, part 3

1. Punctuation, part 3 The exciting, energizing world of commas

2. In a series • Use commas to separate elements in a series, but do not use a comma before the conjunction in a simple series.- The flag is red, white and blue.- He would nominate Tom, Dick or Harry. • Complex phrases, though, do use a comma:- The main points to consider are whether the athletes are skillful enough to compete, whether they have the stamina to endure the training, and whether they have the proper mental attitude.

3. Equal adjectives • Use commas to separate adjectives that are equal in rank. If the commas could be replaced by the word and without changing the sense, the adjectives are equal.- A thoughtful, precise manner.- A dark, dangerous street.

4. Two word noun phrases • Use no comma when an adjective modifies a couple words that work together as a noun.- A cheap fur coat. (Noun phrase – fur coat.)- The old oaken bucket.- A new, blue spring bonnet. This one does have a comma – why?

5. Essential, nonessential clauses • An essential clause cannot be eliminated from a sentence without changing its basic meaning. • A nonessential clause can be eliminated from a sentence without changing its basic meaning. • An essential clause is not set off from the rest of a sentence by commas. • A nonessential clause, however, must be set off in a sentence by commas. • Examples – see page 100 of the stylebook.

6. Essential, nonessential phrases • Similar to the last slide. Essential phrases, those critical to reader’s understanding of what the author had in mind, are not set off by commas. • Nonessential phrases are set off by commas. • See page 101 of the stylebook.

7. That and which • In general, that is used with essential clauses, which with nonessential clauses. • So – comma before which when it is used, no comma before that when it is used.- I remember the day that we met.- The team, which finished last a year ago, is in first place.

8. With conjunctions • When a conjunction like and, but or for links two clauses that could stand alone as sentences, use a comma before the conjunction in most cases.- She was glad she had looked, for a man was approaching the house. • In these cases, writer may choose to just use a couple simple sentences instead:- She was glad she looked. A man was approaching the house.

9. With conjunctions, part two • Use a comma if the subject of each clause is expressly stated:- We visited Washington, and our senator greeted us personally. • No comma if the subject of the two clauses is the same and is not repeated in the second:- We are visiting Washington and plan to see the White House.

10. Direct quotes • When introducing a complete one-sentence quotation within a paragraph, use a comma.- Wallace said, “She spent six months in Argentina and came back speaking English with a Spanish accent.” • No comma for partial or indirect quotes:- He said the victory put him “firmly on the road to a first-ballot nomination.”

11. Attribution, hometown, ages • Comma inside the quote marks with a direct quote: “I’m on the road,” he said. • No comma when the quote ends with a question mark: “Why should I?” he asked. • Use a comma to set off a person’s hometown or ages: Maude Findlay, 48, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., was present.

12. Other usage examples • His journey will take him from Dublin, Ireland, to Fargo, N.D., and back. • Yes, I plan on being there. • Mother, I will be home late. • No sir, I did not take it. • Similar words – use commas to separate: What the problem is, is not clear.

13. Large figures • In general, use a comma for figures above 999.- The fair features more than 1,100 exhibits. • Major exceptions to that rule – street addresses, room numbers, years, serial numbers, phone numbers, broadcast frequencies.

14. Follow the rules, but … • Make sure to follow the style rules when using commas. If you aren’t sure, look it up. • If you are still not sure, write it some other way. There’s always another way to write something.

15. Questions?