Using Commas

1. Using Commas Writing Consultant Presentation EG 1003: Intro to Engineering and Design NYU’s Polytechnic School of Engineering

2. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions

3. Whenever subject is delayed In the eighteenth century, the first balloon with human passengers was flown. However, the robot was precise. Using LabVIEW to create a VI took some practice; nevertheless, it was easier than building a physical instrument. Taking one’s time to brainstorm before designing a vehicle is crucial to success.

4. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions

5. Lists of more than two items • In this lab, the lab PC, LabVIEW software, a data acquisition (DAC) board, a breadboard, and LEDs were used. • Before the exam, one should review, say prayers, sleep well, and eat breakfast.

6. Supercommas with items with commas Before taking the exam, one should review, which means study one’s class notes and the reading assignments; get a good night’s sleep, especially at the end of the semester; say prayers, whether one is religious or not; and eat a nutritious, satisfying breakfast.

7. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions

8. Adjectives that modify equally • The accurate, precise robot should be put on the market. • The diligent, painstaking process of product evaluation is vital in today’s world.

9. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions

10. Interruptions need 2 commas The placement of commas, in fact, is a difficult matter even for native speakers. Yes, it is true that printed material is edited and does not reflect the author’s expertise. A Mindstorms kit, a modular construction set, was used in this lab.

11. Restrictive info has no commas The graphical programming language G is used in LabVIEW. In Lab 5, “Digital Logic,” the objective was to design a logic circuit using LabVIEW.

12. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions

13. Two clauses and a comma Students write papers, so their professors comment on them. Professors comment carefully, for their students have expended effort to write.  Students write papers, yet they do not read them.

14. When not to use a comma Students write papers and take exams. Students write papers in English class and EG 1003. Students and professors enjoy EG 1003.

15. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions

16. Two different situations • Whenever a subordinate clause comes first, there is a comma before the main clause. • There is no comma when the subordinate clause follows the main clause.

17. It is okay to start with because Because they were taught a bad lesson in high school, many students are afraid to start a sentence with “because.” However, it is grammatically correct if you do have an independent clause afterward. The problem is made worse because “however” is usually an adverb.

18. Exception: contrasting material Most students think commas are easy, although few really know how to use them.

19. Using Commas • Introductory phrases • Items in a list • Coordinate adjectives • Interrupting words • Coordinating conjunctions • Subordinating conjunctions