Lesson 13 Punctuation: Commas and Semicolons Perhaps the most difficult punctuation mark to use correctly is the comma, which indicates a pause not the full stop indicated by a period. The semicolon, the comma's cousin, indicates a pause greater than a comma but less than a period. One use for commas is the linking of two independent clauses (sentence parts that contain both a subject and a predicate and can stand along): We shipped the ordered items on November 15, and you confirmed receipt on November 20. The comma is necessary in this sentence because both parts have a subject and a predicate and are equal in importance. Independent clauses like these are joined by the conjunctions and, but, for, not, or, so, and yet. Sometimes independent clauses are linked by semicolons instead of commas (no conjunction necessary): We shipped the ordered items on November 15; you confirmed receipt on November 20. But do not use semicolons to link sentence elements that are not equal such as clause to phrase or independent clause to dependent clause. The use of a semicolon in the following sentence is wrong: We closed down the warehouse yesterday; because we needed to conduct an inventory. The clause that begins with because cannot stand along and is therefore dependent rather than independent. Semicolons are also used when a transitional expression such as however, for example, or therefore is used between independent clauses: We shipped the ordered items on November 15; however, you confirmed receipt on November 20. Transitional expressions are followed by a comma when they introduce an independent clause even when it stands alone as a sentence: In fact, the first shift is understaffed at present. Modifying elements (clauses and phrases) that introduce a sentence are also followed by a comma. For example: Because your application reached us after the deadline, you will be considered for a position at a later time. Judging from your background, I assume that you will be considered for a position at a later time. Yes, you will be considered for a position at a later time. However, commas may be left out if the introductory element is a short prepositional phrase (no subject and predicate) and cannot be misread: With your help we will soon begin. 221
222 English Essentials Be careful not to confuse readers by omitting necessary commas. Can you tell exactly what the following sentence means without backtracking or reading it twice? Before leaving Ms. Danforth passed out some assignments. The meaning becomes much clearer if a comma is added after the prepositional phrase: Before leaving, Ms. Danforth passed out some assignments. Within sentences, adjectives are sometimes used in combination to modify a single noun. When the order of the adjectives can be switched without affecting the meaning of the sentence, they are separated by commas (never semicolons): A stale, metallic taste permeates the water. But leave out the comma if the order of the two adjectives cannot be switched: The last promising applicant has been interviewed. Commas are also used to set off a variety of parenthetical words and phrases within sentences, including state names, dates, abbreviations, quotations, transitional expressions, and contrasted elements. Notice in the following examples that the commas are paired if the parenthetical element falls in the middle of the sentence: Jerry noticed, before anyone else did, that the numbers don't add up. They were, in fact, prepared to submit a bid. Tall buildings, reaching for the sky, soon dominated the cityscape. The best worker in the department is Ken, who jointed the company just a month ago. Our goal was increased profits, not increased market share. Service, then, is our main concern. "The Grant Avenue store," she said yesterday, "is next in line for renovation." The new factory, has been built in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to take advantage of the labor pool there. Joanne Dubik, M.D., has applied for a loan from First Savings. I started to work for this company on March 1, 1989, and soon received my first promotion. Send the letter to Deborah Schneider, 179 Church Street, Elmhurst, Ontario. Another common use for commas is to separate three or more items in a series. A comma follows every item except the last: Send us the main unit, all available peripherals, and an operating manual. Go to the personnel office, turn in your forms, and return here by 1:15. Semicolons should be used to separate the items in a series when one or more of the items includes a comma: The participants were Everett Johnston, Nagle Corporation; DeLynn Bucklely, Restaurants Unlimited; and Connie Crichton, Tandem Inc. Insert required commas and semicolons in the following exercises, crossing out unnecessary words: 1. Send us four cases of filters two cases of wing nuts and a bale of rags. 2. Can you help teachers and office workers and sales representatives?
Lesson 13: Punctuation: Commas and Semicolons 223 3. Mr. Pechman I hope to see you at our next meeting. 4. Your analysis however does not account for returns. 5. As a matter of fact she has seen the figures. 6. Before May 7 1990 they wouldn't have minded either. 7. You can reach me at this address: 717 Darby Place Hartland New Brunswick E7M 1A9. 8. Transfer the documents from Red Deer Alberta to Moose Jaw Saskatchewan.. 9. Sam O'Neill the designated representative is gone today. 10. An outstanding new product has just hit the market. 11. Beginning next week and continuing until January 3 our Cambridge offices will be closed. 12. She may hire two new representatives or she may postpone filling those territories until the spring. 13. After Martha has gone talk to me about promoting her. 14. Stoneridge Inc. will go public on September 9 1999. 15. We want the new copier not the old model. 16. "Talk to me" Sandra said "before you change a thing." 17. This letter looks good that one doesn't. 18. The Zurich airport has been snowed in therefore I won't be able to meet with you before Thursday January 27. 19. Because of a previous engagement Dr. Sroeve will not be able to attend. 20. Send a copy of the memo to Mary Kennedy Vice President of Marketing Robert Bache Comptroller and Dennis McMurphy Director of Sales. 21. She started attracting attention during the long hard recession of the mid-1970s.