Transcript Commas and Semicolons A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop

Commas and Semicolons
A Learning Enhancement
Center Workshop
Four Basic Rules
1. Commas precede coordinating
conjunctions when they link
independent clauses.
2. Commas are needed after
introductory words, phrases, and
clauses that come before the main
clause.
Four Basic Rules
3. Commas are used to separate
items in a series.
4. Commas are used to set off
nonessential word groups or
parenthetical clauses.
Rule 1: Commas precede coordinating
conjunctions when they link *independent
clauses.
Example:
The minutes would pass, and then
suddenly Einstein would stop pacing as his
face relaxed into a gentle smile.
*An independent clause is a group of words
with a subject and a verb that can or does
stand alone as a sentence.
Independent Clause:
The minutes would pass
, and
Independent Clause:
then suddenly Einstein would stop
pacing . . .
Other Conjunctions:
but
or
for
nor
so
yet
Common Errors:
If you use a comma without a
conjunction you have a comma splice.
Incorrect: The minutes would pass, then Einstein
would stop pacing…
If you omit the comma and the
conjunction you have a run-on
sentence.
Incorrect: The minutes would pass then Einstein
would stop pacing…
Corrections (besides comma and
conjunction):
Use a semicolon between the
independent clauses in the sentence.
Example:
The minutes would pass; then
suddenly Einstein would stop
pacing… .
Rule 2: Commas are needed after
introductory words, phrases, and clauses that
come before the main clause.
Example:
Well, perhaps he meant no harm. In
fact, he wanted to help.
Introductory words:
no
well
yes
however
first
in fact
Introductory Phrases: long prepositional
phrases (usually four words or more):
Example:
Due to his determination not to get a
“C,” he did all his homework.
Introductory Phrases: with -ing verbals, -ed
verbals, and to+ verbs :
Having finished the test before the
bell rang, he left the room.
Tired of never having enough money,
she took a second job.
To get a seat close to the stage, you’d
better come early.
Rule 3: Commas are used to
separate items in a series.
Example:
The movie was action packed,
suspenseful, and romantic.
The comma before “and” is preferred.
Words, phrases, and clauses in a
series:
Example:
He spoke to Julio, then called his
roommate, and finally phoned me.
Rule 4: Commas are used to set off
nonessential words groups
(parenthetical clauses).
Example:
The restaurant, which only serves
breakfast and lunch, was closed.
When a nonessential clause is
removed, the meaning of the main
clause is the same.
Word groups following nouns that
identify or explain the nouns are
nonessential and need commas.
Examples:
Uncle Ike, a doctor, smoked too much
even though he warned his patients
not to smoke.
She is a good friend, a person whom I
trust and admire.
One Final Rule #5:
Commas occasionally may be needed for
ease of reading, and clarity.
Example:
Still, water must be transported.
Additional comments
Be consistent when using commas.
A comma’s main purpose is to add
clarity for the reader.
When in doubt - don’t.
The Semicolon
Semicolon Guidelines for Usage:
1. Use a semicolon to separate two
independent clauses.
Example:
Some French fries are greasy; some
are not.
2. Use a semicolon before conjunctive
adverbs when they are used to join
independent clauses.
Example:
Some french fries are greasy;
however, others are not.
Conjunctive Adverbs
also
consequently
nevertheless
therefore
then
still
General Rule
Semicolons connect units of equal
grammatical rank.
The Learning Enhancement Center
is designed to serve the students
of CCC. We are eager to be a
facilitator of successful learning.
Please let us know what your
needs are, and we will design ways
to meet them. Thank you for
attending this workshop.