Eng 102

Commas

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When do you use a comma?

Commas

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Commas
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses *coordinating conjunctions = FANBOYS The department sponsored a seminar on college survival skills and it also hosted a barbecue for new students. Do NOT use a comma to separate coordinate word groups that are not independent clauses A good money manager controls expenses, and invests surplus dollars to meet future needs. *not two complete sentences

Commas
Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase When Irwin was ready to iron his cat tripped on the cord. *an easy way to determine an introductory clause is if it can be placed at end of sentence His cat tripped on the cord when Irwin was ready to iron. *no comma needed. In no time we were at 2,800 feet. We were at 2,800 feet in no time.

Commas
Use a comma between all items in a series Bubbles of air leaves ferns bits of wood and insects are often found trapped in amber. *MLA uses the Oxford comma *APA does NOT use the Oxford comma

Commas
Use a comma between coordinate adjectives not joined with and. Do not use a comma between cumulative adjectives. (use the and test) Roberto is a warm gentle affectionate father. Three large gray shapes moved slowly toward us.

Commas
Use commas to set off nonrestrictive (nonessential) elements (gives extra information) The campers need sturdy shoes which are expensive. How do the meanings of these two sentences differ because of the commas? The dessert made with fresh raspberries was delicious. The dessert, made with fresh raspberries, was delicious. In the first example, the phrase made with fresh raspberries tells readers which of two or more desserts the writer is referring to. In the example with commas, the phrase merely adds information about the dessert.

Commas
Use commas to set off transitional and parenthetical expressions, absolute phrases, and word groups expressing contrast *think of it as stuff that isnt needed in the sentence Minh did not understand our language; moreover he was unfamiliar with our customs. As a matter of fact American football was established in the mid-nineteenth century.

Commas
Use commas to set off nouns of direct address, the words yes and no, interrogative tags, and mild interjections Forgive me Angela for forgetting your birthday. Use commas with expressions such as he said to set off direct quotations If you learn the basic rules of commas, people will think you are a writing genius Jeannine advised.

Commas
Use commas with dates, addresses, titles, and number On December 12 1980 orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull. The security alert system went into effect on 15 April 2009. Use a comma to prevent confusion Patients who can walk up and down the halls every day. To err is human; to forgive divine. *avoid overuse

Talk to your neighbors

When do you use a comma?

Grammar Portfolio

Give an example for each comma rule (there are 11 typed in green)

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