Comma Usage: A Guide to Effective Punctuation

1. Does my TOPIC SENTENCE summarize my paragraph, • reflect specific points of literary analysis as assigned? • Is my paragraph organized logically with good clusters and • transitions between them? 8. Am I using correct form for citations? (216). • Do I have a concluding sentence that refers back to the T.S. • and sufficiently wraps up my paragraph? 4. Have I used PRESENT TENSE throughout my analysis? Revision Checklist 5. Is my paragraph focused? 6. Have I included sufficient textual support? Have I introduced quotes correctly and used only necessary parts of quotations? 7. Are my quotations understandable in the context of my writing? ie: “They were better off when they were [slaves].”

2. Monday: identify parts of speech Daily Grammar Practice look at yourself in the mirror and recite the poem fire and ice

3. The Good 1. Everyone is showing improvement. Some are showing great improvement.2. Everyone is analyzing the text3. Topic sentences are mostly strong4. Formatting was generally good.

4. The BAD 1. Comma usage needs attention2. People don’t seem to be using the checklist 3. It appears that either people are not concerned enough to revise and proof their work, OR they are not finishing early enough to do so.

5. The FUGLY Word”.This is a sentence: “Quote…”A clause, “Quote…”If I integrate “a quote then don’t…”“Citation form is important. (1).Please, “Don’t do this” (1) again!

6. Conquering the Comma A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab Purdue University Writing Lab

7. What Is a Comma? • A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. • Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader. , Purdue University Writing Lab

8. Clauses and Phrases • A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. • A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other. Purdue University Writing Lab

9. Sentence Structure:Independent Clause • A complete sentence has two components, a subject and a verb. • The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause. The coupledances. The coupledances. subject (S) verb (V) Purdue University Writing Lab

10. A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. Conjunctions for and nor but or yet so Sentence Structure:Compound Sentence FAN BOYS Purdue University Writing Lab

11. Sentence Structure:Compound Sentence • The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. SVconj. Andybuilt a snowman,and Jeffplayed with his dog. SV Purdue University Writing Lab

12. Sentence Structure:Compound Sentence Where would you place the comma in the following sentence? Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him. Dan struggled with his homework,so his fatherhelped him. SVconj.SV Purdue University Writing Lab

13. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb, but the clause cannot stand independently. Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers. Some dependent clause markers: Sentence Structure:Dependent Clause because since when while until if as though although unless after before once whether Purdue University Writing Lab

14. Sentence Structure:Dependent Phrases and Clauses • Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause. • Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Purdue University Writing Lab

15. Introductory clause=dependent clause located at the beginning of a sentence • When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause. When Elizabeth called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue. When Elizabeth called 911,the firemen rushed to her rescue. DCM SVSV Purdue University Writing Lab

16. Introductory Clause Where would you place the comma in the following examples? Since it was raining,we decided to go to the movies.DCMSVSV Since it was raining we decided to go to the movies. Once the movie began,I fell asleep. DCMSVSV Once the movie began I fell asleep. After the movie ended,we went out for coffee. DCMS VSV After the movie ended we went out for coffee. Purdue University Writing Lab

17. Dependent Clauses When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place a comma between the two. I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me. SVDCMS V I became very sick when the S V DCM roller coaster zoomed upside down. SV Purdue University Writing Lab

18. Sentence Structure:Essential Phrases and Clauses • An essential clause or phrase is used to modify a noun. • It also adds information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence. • Essential clauses are NOT set off by commas. Purdue University Writing Lab

19. Sentence Structure:Essential Phrases and Clauses The peoplewho work in my officeare so uptight! S essential phrase V Without the essential phrase, this sentence does not make complete sense : The people are so uptight! Purdue University Writing Lab

20. Sentence Structure:Essential Phrases and Clauses The martinithat I had at Joe’swas much better than this one! SessentialV The word “that” is almost always an indicator of an essential phrase or clause. Purdue University Writing Lab

21. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses • A nonessential phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence. • This information can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence. • Always place commas around nonessential phrases and clauses. Purdue University Writing Lab

22. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a party! Snon-essential V Even without the phrase the sentence still makes sense : My brother plans to throw a party! Purdue University Writing Lab

23. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Steve saidthat he would propose to me on Valentine’s Day, which is my favorite holiday! SV non-essential Use commas to set off additional information Purdue University Writing Lab

24. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Make corrections Tom’s second book which he spent ten years writing is now a best seller. Rob tripped over his shoes which he had left lying in the middle of the floor. We heard three speeches the longest of which went for an hour. I asked Sam which bus I should take. Purdue University Writing Lab

25. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Tom’s second book, which he spent ten years writing, is now a best seller. Rob tripped over his shoes, which he had left lying in the middle of the floor. We heard three speeches, the longest of which went for an hour. I asked Sam which bus I should take. Purdue University Writing Lab

26. Would you place commas in the following sentences? If so, where? I am planning a trip to Paris which is one of the greatest cities in the world. I am planning a trip to Paris, which is one of the greatest cities in the world. The place that I would most like to see is the Eiffel Tower. No comma is needed. The sentence is correct. Pierre, who is one of my business contacts, will meet me at the airport. Pierre who is one of my business contacts will meet me at the airport. Purdue University Writing Lab

27. Sentence Structure:Commas in a Series • Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. • The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion. • The comma before the conjunction is generally required, but it can be omitted if there is no possibility of confusion. Purdue University Writing Lab

28. Sentence Structure:Commas in a Series Consider the difference in the following: Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim. How many women did Alex date? Purdue University Writing Lab

29. Sentence Structure:Commas in a Series • Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. • Place commas in the following sentences: Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed. Martina brushed her hair put on her pajamas and went to bed. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess she kissed a frog and she rescued her prince. Purdue University Writing Lab

30. Commas with adjectives • Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. THE TEST: Can you put “and” between the adjectives? Can they be described in reverse order? If so, use a comma. big blue housethree hungry kittens a cranky, ungrateful man Purdue University Writing Lab

31. A Common Comma Error:The Comma Splice • A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma. Wehad a nice time,Ihope we can meet again soon. SV S V The Internethas revolutionized the business world, SV online saleshave increased dramatically this year. SV Purdue University Writing Lab

32. To Correct a Comma Splice • Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses. • Start a new sentence. • Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic). • We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon. • We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon. • The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year. Purdue University Writing Lab

33. How would you correct the following sentences? This semester I am taking calculus physics and economics. This semester I am taking calculus, physics, and economics. Calculus is my best subject, I am certain I will get an A. Calculus is my best subject, and I am certain I will get an A. Although I am very busy I still find time to have fun. Although I am very busy, I still find time to have fun. Last weekend my brother visited me and we went to a football game a party and a rock concert. Last weekend my brother visited me, and we went to a football game, a party, and a rock concert. Purdue University Writing Lab

34. Where can you go for additional help with comma usage? • Purdue University Writing Lab • Heavilon 226 • Grammar Hotline: (765) 494-3723 • Check our web site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu • Email brief questions: owl@owl.english.purdue.edu Purdue University Writing Lab Purdue University Writing Lab