HFCC Learning Lab Punctuation, 1.2. The Comma

Transcription

1 HFCC Learning Lab Punctuation, 1.2 Explanation: The Comma The general purpose of the comma is to make the meaning of the sentence clear. Used carefully and sensitively commas can also bring elegance and sensitivity to a sentence. Perhaps you may have been told to insert a comma whenever a pause occurs naturally in a sentence, but you did not find such an approach reliable. Fortunately, there are fixed rules for the use of commas as well as a few optional uses that depend upon your style of the effect you are trying to create. You need only follow the next four rules to use the comma expertly: 1. Use a comma before the coordinate conjunctions when joining independent clauses. 2. Use a comma to set off introductory elements. 3. Use a comma before and after parenthetical insertions. 4. Use a comma between all terms in a series. 1. Use a comma before coordinate conjunctions when they join independent clauses. As you might recall, an independent clause, which consists of a subject and a verb, could be written as a complete sentence. If two independent clauses are connected by one of the following coordinate conjunctions: and, but, for, nor, yet, so, etc a comma is necessary in front of the conjunction. Examples: 1. The St. Bernard is the heaviest breed of dog, and the Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog. 2. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 3. Today many Catholic colleges exist in America, but Georgetown University was the first Catholic college founded in the United States. Caution: If the clauses are short (usually under five words), no comma is necessary. Also, a comma is usually not placed before a conjunction that links two words or phrases as in the following example: Example: The family completed arrangements for the trip and retired early.

2 2. Use a comma to set off introductory elements from the rest of the sentence. The comma is inserted to make certain that the reader is not misled or confused about the meaning of the sentence. The introductory element should consist of the following: a word, a long phrase, a subordinate clause. Generally, a comma is placed after the introductory words or transitions such as: however, nevertheless, of course, in fact, regardless, instead, on the other hand, as a result, moreover, in addition, consequently, for example. Introductory Words: Furthermore, psychological studies indicate that student radicals are no more neurotic or disturbed than other students. Introductory Phrases: 1. Exhausted by many hours of swimming, Gertrude Ederle showed remarkable courage as she was assisted from the English Channel. 2. Defeated at last, the army withdrew from the battlefield. 3. To be successful in college, a student must devote many hours to study. Introductory Clauses: 1. When the lawyer concludes, the opening statement from the floor may begin. 2. A few months before Edison died, he put his life in order. Caution: Never use a comma to separate an introductory subordinate conjunction such as: because, if, although, while, since, as, before, after from the subsequent subordinate clause. DO NOT WRITE THIS: Because, inflation is increasing faster than interest rates, people are investing their money in diamonds. If the clause does not start the sentence, it usually does not need a comma. Example: Nothing has been accomplished because the director is on vacation. 3. Use a comma before and after parenthetical insertions. Parenthetical comments need a pair of commas. Example: The case, nevertheless, was closed.

3 If a phrase or clause simply provides additional material and is not necessary for identifying the central topic, it is set off with commas. This additional clause or phrase is labeled as nonrestrictive because it does not restrict the meaning of the topic or word it describes. If the subject is a proper noun, the additional clause will almost always be unessential for identification. Examples: 1. Sam, my friend, is kind and considerate. 2. Medusa, who was a famous mythological creature, turned people into stone with a single glance. 3. My oldest sister, Judith, will take her vacation early this year. 4. Alexander Solzhenitsyn, poet and novelist, went into exile to protest conditions in Russia. Caution: If a subject is not clearly identified, then the additional clause or phrase is restrictive or essential to one s meaning and commas are not used. Examples: 1. Southpaws who are superstitious will not pitch on Friday the 13 th. 2. My brother Tom spent two years in the Peace Corps. DO NOT use a comma to break up a subject and verb. Examples of breaking up a subject and verb: 1. That handsome man in the brown leather jacket, is the teacher. 2. To study hard, is essential for academic success. 4. Use commas to set off items in a series. The items may be words, phrases, or clauses, and the series usually consists of three or more items. 1. My Uncle Jerry s wit, charm, and appearance make him successful as a hotel manager. 2. The angry landlord told the troublesome tenant to clean the apartment, to pay the rent, and to depart immediately. 3. Many wrote newspaper releases, John delivered radio broadcasts, and the rest of the staff helped the candidate prepare her speeches. 4. Hot, humid summers are common in Michigan.

4 Caution: In rare instances, commas are not used between a series of adjectives if the adjectives build upon each other to create one general impression. For example, commas would not be used in the following description: The new homeowners purchased expensive oak furniture. To determine whether commas are needed, connect the adjectives with and. If the adjectives need commas, the two points can be logically connected with the conjunction as in the following example: The healthy, intelligent (or healthy and intelligent) children were a delight to their parents. If you are unable to insert and between two adjectives and create a logical paring, no commas are necessary. Example: Exercise Six happy (Six and happy?) minutes flew by during the transatlantic call. Directions: Examine each of the following sentences to determine if commas are necessary. Insert commas where they belong. If commas are necessary, please indicate which rule applies. Use the following abbreviations for the rules. 1. CC = a comma before coordinate conjunctions that separate independent clauses. 2. IE = a comma to set off an introductory element 3. PI = a pair of commas with parenthetical insertions 4. S = a comma between all terms in a series. Example: George Washington our first president proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day. Correction: George Washington, our first president, proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day. PI 1. Antony was a brave and a strong leader but he met his match in Cleopatra. 2. Jennifer whom he had for dated five years left him to marry a politician. 3. Unaware of Romeo s true identity Juliet declared her love for Romeo to her nurse. 4. Any young person who wants to pay their own way through school must work hard. 5. To become a lawyer requires money effort and time.

5 6. Sinclair Lewis author of The Jungle was the first American writer to win a Nobel Prize. 7. After failing several tests the student visited the Learning Lab to discover how to succeed at essay exams. 8. Walden was composed by Henry David Thoreau in 1854 but Walden Two was written more than a century later by B.F. Skinner. 9. Charles Dickens Herman Melville and Jane Austen deserve to be studies in literature classics. 10. The city of Ashville became famous when it employed an all-female fire department.

6 Answers 1. Antony was a brave and a strong leader, but he met his match in Cleopatra. CC 2. Jennifer, whom he had for dated five years, left him to marry a politician. PI 3. Unaware of Romeo s true identity, Juliet declared her love for Romeo to her nurse. IE 4. Any young person who wants to pay their own way through school must work hard. (correct) 5. To become a lawyer requires money, effort, and time. S 6. Sinclair Lewis, author of The Jungle, was the first American writer to win a Nobel Prize. PI 7. After failing several tests, the student visited the Learning Lab to discover how to succeed at essay exams. IE 8. Walden was composed by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, but Walden Two was written more than a century later by B.F. Skinner. CC 9. Charles Dickens, Herman Melville, and Jane Austen deserve to be studies in literature classics. S 10. The city of Ashville became famous when it employed an all-female fire department. (correct)