Conquering the Comma A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab 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. 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. 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. Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence © 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 © The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence Where would you place the comma in the following sentence? Sentence Structure: Dependent Clause © 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 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. 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. Introductory Clause Where would you place the comma in the following examples? Dependent Clauses When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place a comma between the two. 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. Sentence Structure: Essential Phrases and Clauses The people who work in my office are so uptight! Sentence Structure: Essential Phrases and Clauses The martini that I had at Joe’s was much better than this one! 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. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a party! Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Steve said that he would propose to me on Valentine’s Day, which is my favorite holiday! 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. 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. 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. Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series © Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. © Place commas in the following sentences: 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. A Common Comma Error: The Comma Splice © A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma. 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). How would you correct the following sentences? 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