comma sense
DESCRIPTION
Hour-long presentation on simple comma rules, followed by a few tips on the use of italics.TRANSCRIPT
Compose a short paragraph of at least 40 words about what you’re doing this upcoming weekend. Use at least five or six commas correctly.
Understanding & Using Commas
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
List of things that happened:He hit the ball.He dropped the bat.He ran to first base.
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.ran to first base.
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
List of things that happened:He hit the ball.He dropped the bat.He ran to first base.
Understanding& Using Commas
He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.ran to first base.
List of things that happened:He hit the ball.He dropped the bat.He ran to first base.
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.ran to first base.
List of things that happened:He hit the ball.He dropped the bat.He ran to first base.
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
comma comma
The controversial “Oxford” or “Serial” comma
I say: Use it!Others say: Don’t!
Understanding& Using Commas
He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.ran to first base.
List of things that happened:He hit the ball.He dropped the bat.He ran to first base.
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
comma comma
Understanding& Using Commas
He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.ran to first base.
List of things that happened:He hit the ball.He dropped the bat.He ran to first base.
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
List of things to buy:BreadMilkCheese
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
Buy me some bread, milk, and Buy me some bread, milk, and cheese.cheese.
List of things to buy:BreadMilkCheese
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
Buy me some bread, milk, and Buy me some bread, milk, and cheese.cheese.
List of things to buy:BreadMilkCheese
comma comma
Use a comma to separate elements in a series or list.
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Exceptions Alert!
Two Independent Clauses:He hit the ball well.He ran toward third base.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.
Independent clause
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.
Independent clauseIndependent clause
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.
FANBOYS Conjunction
Independent clauseIndependent clause
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.
Coordinating Conjunction(one of the FANBOYS)
Independent clauseIndependent clausecomma
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Exceptions Alert!
Exception Alert: If the two independent clauses are shortshort and well balanced, the comma may be dropped if no confusion is created.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Our team is good but their team is better.Our team is good but their team is better.
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Our team is good but their team is better.Our team is good but their team is better.
Independent clauseIndependent clause
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Our team is good but their team is better.Our team is good but their team is better.
FANBOYS conjunction
Independent clauseIndependent clause
No comma
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma before (and not after) a FANBOYS conjunction when two independent clauses are being connected.
Our team is good but their team is better.Our team is good but their team is better.
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Running toward third base, he suddenly Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.realized how stupid he looked.
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Running toward third base, he suddenly Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.realized how stupid he looked.
Introductory phrase
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Running toward third base, he suddenly Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.realized how stupid he looked.
comma
Introductory phrase
Exceptions Alert!
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Exception Alert: If the introductory material consists of one word or is very, very short, then the comma may be dropped, if no confusion or difficulty in reading is created.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
After his short nap in the clubhouse before After his short nap in the clubhouse before the game, the pitcher felt better.the game, the pitcher felt better.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
After his short nap in the clubhouse before After his short nap in the clubhouse before the game, the pitcher felt better.the game, the pitcher felt better.
Introductory phrase (kind of a long one, actually)
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
After his nap, the pitcher felt better.After his nap, the pitcher felt better.
Introductory phrase (and this one is much shorter!)
comma
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
After his nap the pitcher felt better.After his nap the pitcher felt better.
Introductory clause (and this one is much shorter!)
Okay to omit this comma
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
After his nap the pitcher felt better.After his nap the pitcher felt better.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Inside the gym was warm and comfortable.Inside the gym was warm and comfortable.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Inside the gym was warm and comfortable.Inside the gym was warm and comfortable.
This is confusing and awkward to read because the writerdid not use a comma to set off the introductory material.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Introductory word
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Introductory word
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Exceptions Alert!
Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.Inside, the gym was warm and comfortable.
That’s much better.
Use a comma to set off introductory material.
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Fine. But what’s “parenthetical” mean?
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Fine. But what’s “parenthetical” mean?
That’s a good question. Let’s take a look.
Understanding& Using Commas
Parenthetical means extra information not needed to understand the sentence.
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Understanding& Using Commas
The stadiumThe stadium, built in 1953, was small but comfortable.was small but comfortable.
Parenthetical means extra information not needed to understand the sentence.
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Understanding& Using Commas
The stadium, built in 1953, The stadium, built in 1953, was small but comfortable.was small but comfortable.
Parenthetical means extra information not needed to understand the sentence.
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Understanding& Using Commas
The stadium, built in 1953, The stadium, built in 1953, was small but comfortable.was small but comfortable.
Parenthetical (extra) information
Parenthetical means extra information not needed to understand the sentence.
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Understanding& Using Commas
The stadium, built in 1953, The stadium, built in 1953, was small but comfortable.was small but comfortable.
comma
Parenthetical (extra) information
commaParenthetical means extra information not needed to understand the sentence.
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
Understanding& Using Commas
The stadium, built in 1953, The stadium, built in 1953, was small but comfortable.was small but comfortable.
comma
Parenthetical (extra) information
commaParenthetical means extra information not needed to understand the sentence.
Use commas to set off parenthetical elements in text.
That’s the way you handle it.
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
versus
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
versus
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
versus
comma
No comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Lots of times, we make phrases like this:
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Lots of times, we make phrases like this:Adjective noun…Adjective noun…
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Lots of times, we make phrases like this:Adjective noun…Adjective noun…
Adjective adjective noun…Adjective adjective noun…
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Lots of times, we make phrases like this:Adjective noun…Adjective noun…
Adjective adjective noun…Adjective adjective noun…
Adjective adjective adjective noun…Adjective adjective adjective noun…
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Lots of times, we make phrases like this:Adjective noun…Adjective noun…
Adjective adjective noun…Adjective adjective noun…
Adjective adjective adjective noun…Adjective adjective adjective noun…
That question is, when do you use commas between the adjectives?
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
Here’s a easy way to tell if you need commas between all those adjectives:
If you can put the word and or but between the adjectives, then you (almost certainly) need commas between them.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.
He is a tall, distinguished gentleman.He is a tall, distinguished gentleman.
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.He is a tall and distinguished gentleman.
He is a tall, distinguished gentleman.He is a tall, distinguished gentleman.
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
She is a little and old lady.She is a little and old lady.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
She is a little and old lady.She is a little and old lady.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
She is a little and old lady.She is a little and old lady.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
She is a little and old lady.She is a little and old lady.
She is a little, old ladyShe is a little, old ladycomma
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
She is a little and old lady.She is a little and old lady.
She is a little, old ladyShe is a little, old ladycomma
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
She is a little and old lady.She is a little and old lady.
She is a little, old ladyShe is a little, old ladycomma
She is a little old ladyShe is a little old ladyNo comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
I live in an old, run-down house.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
I live in an old, run-down house.
I live in a little, purple house.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
I live in an old, run-down house.
I live in a little, purple house.
I live in a little purple house.
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off quoted material.
““I want you to stop at second base this time,” I want you to stop at second base this time,” the coach said.the coach said.
comma
This comma separates the quote
from the rest of the sentence.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off quoted material.
““I’ll stop at second,” the batter said, “but I can I’ll stop at second,” the batter said, “but I can keep going if you want me to.”keep going if you want me to.”
First comma
If the “split” is in the middle of the sentence, then two commas are needed.
Second comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off contrasting words or phrases.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off contrasting words or phrases.
The puppies were cute, but messy.The puppies were cute, but messy.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off contrasting words or phrases.
Cute and messy contrast with each other.
The puppies were cute, but messy.The puppies were cute, but messy.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off contrasting words or phrases.
Cute and messy contrast with each other.
The puppies were cute, but messy.The puppies were cute, but messy.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to set off contrasting words or phrases.
Cute and messy contrast with each other.
The puppies were cute, but messy.The puppies were cute, but messy.
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to avoid potential confusion.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to avoid potential confusion.
For most the year was already finished.For most the year was already finished.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to avoid potential confusion.
For most the year was already finished.For most the year was already finished.
What? It’s not clear what this is supposed to mean.
For most, the year was already finished.For most, the year was already finished.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to avoid potential confusion.
Make it clear by using a comma to set off the introductory material.
For most, the year was already finished.For most, the year was already finished.
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to avoid potential confusion.
Make it clear by using a comma to set off the introductory material.
comma
Introductory phrase
Understanding& Using Commas
Use commas to avoid potential confusion.
That’s much better!
For most, the year was already finished.For most, the year was already finished.
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
On June 14, 1845, the first baseball game was On June 14, 1845, the first baseball game was played.played.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
On June 14, 1845, the first baseball game was On June 14, 1845, the first baseball game was played.played.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
comma comma
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
In June 1845, the first baseball game was In June 1845, the first baseball game was played.played.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
In June 1845, the first baseball game was In June 1845, the first baseball game was played.played.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
I lived in Dallas, Texas, for many years.I lived in Dallas, Texas, for many years.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
I lived in Dallas, Texas, for many years.I lived in Dallas, Texas, for many years.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
comma comma
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
About $15,600 was spent on the highway this About $15,600 was spent on the highway this year.year.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
Understanding& Using Commas
TypographicalReasons for Commas.
About $15,600 was spent on the highway this About $15,600 was spent on the highway this year.year.
There is an understanding and agreement to use commas in certain ways for certain constructions:
comma
Understanding& Using Commas
Summary of Comma Use Rules● Use a comma to separate elements in a list● Use a comma+FANBOYS to connect
two independent clauses● Use a comma to set off introductory material● Use commas to set off parenthetical information● Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives● Use commas to set off quoted material● Use commas to set off contrasting phrases● Use commas to avoid potential confusion
In yourWriting
What are Italics?● Italics are those “leaned-over” letters you see sometimes:
These are just regular, non-italic letters.These are just regular, non-italic letters.
These are italic letters!These are italic letters!
And these are also italic letters!And these are also italic letters!
In yourWriting
What are Italics?● Italics are those “leaned-over” letters you see sometimes.
● If you’re handwriting, you can underline instead of try to hand-write italic letters.
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?● Titles of works that “stand on their own”: books, magazines, newspapers
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?● Titles of works that “stand on their own”: books, magazines, newspapers
● When referring to words and letters as words or letters:
The word the is an article.
● Names of ships:
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?
The Queen Mary sailed last night.
● Names of ships:
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?
The Queen Mary sailed last night.
● When using foreign words in English:
The lawyer did the work pro bono.
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?
● When defining technical words or terms:
An even number is a multiple of 2.
● Occasionally in novels to indicate a character’s thought process instead of quotation marks:
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?
● When defining technical words or terms:
An even number is a multiple of 2.
Oh, what shall I do now? Belinda wondered.
● Occasionally in novels to indicate a character’s thought process instead of quotation marks:
In yourWriting
What Are Italics Used For?
● When defining technical words or terms:
An even number is a multiple of 2.
Oh, what shall I do now? Belinda wondered.
Recompose your bellringer to check for and correct comma problems!
And I’ll collect both versions, please!