Transcript PowerPoint Presentation - The Comma

The Comma
What is the Comma?
 The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it
separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable
segments.
 It is one of the most used, and often misused, forms of
punctuation.
What is it used for?
It is used to separate:
• The elements in a series
• Two independent clauses
It is also used to set off:
• Introductory phrases
• Non-essential elements
Separating Elements in a Series
 The comma is used to separate three or more elements in a
series. It creates a clearer sentence with less confusion.
 I like to eat apples, oranges, and bananas.
 The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of
government.
 The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and
end unemployment.
Separating two independent
clauses.
 It is important to use a comma to separate independent clauses
when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating
conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
 He hit the ball, but he ran toward third base.
 I like to play tennis with my friends, but I like to run by myself.
 I want to go to the movies, and I want to go to dinner.
How the comma is used to set off
introductory phrases.
 Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that
come before the main clause.
 You can recognize introductory phrases by Common starter words such
as, after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. Also, Common
introductory words, yes, however, well should be separated by a comma.
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While I was eating, the doorbell rang.
Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
If you are sick, you should see a doctor.
When the rain stops coming down, we'll go play outside.
Well, perhaps he meant no harm.
Yes, I want to go on a date with you.
However, you may not be satisfied with the results.
Continued
(introductory phrases)…
 Commas should also be used to separate
long prepositional phrases over 4 words.
 Having finished eating, he left the table.
 To get a seat, you'd better come early.
 After the test, but before dinner, I went
swimming.
 The sun radiating intense heat, we sought
shelter in the cafe.
Setting off Non-Essential Elements
 A pair of commas, in the middle of a sentence, should be used to set off clauses,
phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
 These are three questions you should ask yourself to help you decided whether the sentence element
is essential.
 If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense?
 Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence?
 If you move the element to a different position in the sentence, does the sentence still make
sense?
 If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, then the element in question is
nonessential and should be set off with commas
Continued

(non-essential elements)…
Examples of sentences using commas to separate non-essential
elements:
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Clause: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day when I
am available to meet.

Phrase: This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the other hand,
is rather bland.
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Word: I appreciate your hard work. In this case, however, you seem to have overexerted yourself.
When not to use the Comma
 Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.
 An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult. (incorrect)
 An eighteen-year old in California is now considered an adult. (correct)
 Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a
compound predicate.
 Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun phrases, or noun
clauses in a compound subject or compound object.
 Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent
(subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).
 She was late for class, because her alarm clock was broken.(incorrect)
 She was late for class because her alarm clock was broken, (correct)
Outside Sources
Quiz on Comma Usage
In this quiz you will be given a paragraph and you have to
change the sentences when needed
Quiz on Comma Usage
In this quiz you will be given sentences in which you have to
choose the correct answer from 3 choices.
Contents
Home
What is the Comma?
What is it used for?
Separating Elements in a
Series
Separating two
independent clauses
How the Comma is used to set
off introductory phrases
Continued (introductory phrases)
Setting off non-essential
elements
Continued (non-essential elements)
When not to use the Comma
Outside sources