Commas and Semicolons

Commas and Semicolons How to . . . Pause

What is a comma? • A comma is a visual pause for the reader. • A comma can be used for many reasons.

When do you use a comma? • To separate items in a series a. Words in a series • I went to the store to get milk, eggsand soda. b. Phrases in a series • I need to take my medicine before work, during lunchand after work. c. Clauses in a series • In our band, Jeff sings, Mike plays the guitarand Chris plays the drums.

When do you use a comma? 2. To separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun • Shay thinks Dotson is tall, darkand handsome.

When do you use a comma? 3. Before conjunctions (FANBOYS) when they join independent clauses • For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So • I ate breakfast before school, but I was still hungry before 2nd period. • Make sure you use a conjunction to combine the two independent clauses or else it’s called a COMMA SPLICE. • I ate breakfast before school, I was still hungry before 2nd period. • WRONG!

When do you use a comma? (cont’d) • Use commas to set off clauses which are nonessential • A nonessential clause is a clause that adds information about the subject that is descriptive, but not necessary. • J.D. Salinger, who wrote Catcher in the Rye, is a notorious recluse.

When do you use a comma? (cont’d) 5. To set off participial phrases • A participial phrase is a phrase where a verb is used as an adjective. • Jay-Z, knowing that “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” was the crowd favorite, waited until the encore to perform his biggest hit. • “knowing that ‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder’ was the crowd favorite” describes Jay-Z.

When do you use a comma? (cont’d) • Use commas after certain introductory elements a. Use after well, yes, no, and why when they begin a sentence. • Yes, my favorite team is the Cubs. • Well, I like math, but English is by far the best. b. Use after introductory participial phrases. • Driving home from school, I had an epiphany. c. Use after a long opener that begins with any “ABBI SAW A WUWU” • As, before, because, if, since, after, when, although, while, unless, whenever, until • Because you loaned me money for lunch yesterday, I will loan you some for today. • If you are ever lost while driving, pull into a gas station.

ABBI SAW A WUWU • While • Although • When, Whenever • Unless • Whether • Until As Before Because If,If only Since After While

When do you use a comma? (cont’d) • Use commas to set off words of direct address, such as names and titles. • Ryo, can you lend me a pencil? - Mr. Klein, can I turn this in tomorrow? NO!!!!!

Other Comma Rules 8. To set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence • “Come in,” the boss said. • Mary said, “I don’t want to.”

Other Comma Rules 9. Between the day of the month and the year, and, in a sentence, after the year • Steve was born in New York on March 5, 1990, and moved here last year.

Other Comma Rules 10. In the salutation of a personal letter • Dear Grandma, • Sincerely,

What is a Semicolon????? • A semicolon is a punctuation mark that connects independent clauses when they are not connected by a conjunction (FANBOYS). ;

When do you use a semicolon? • You use a semicolon when you are connecting two independent clauses without a conjunction. • The students entered the room; class started when the bell rang. • Spring break is a few weeks away; I am going on a trip with my family.

Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by the following words: Accordingly Hence However Indeed Moreover Thus That is Besides Also Therefore Still When do you use a semicolon? • Otherwise • In fact • For example • Furthermore • Consequently • Similarly • Instead • Nevertheless • For instance

Examples of Semicolon Use • The football team won; however, the team is still in second place in the conference. • You have to water the flowers every day; otherwise, they will wilt and die. • Rachel loves to listen to Ludacris; in fact, she has all of his albums.

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Commas and Semicolons