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Commas and Their Use

Commas and Their Use. ENGL 3100 Dr. Shelley Thomas. Comma. Description

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Commas and Their Use

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  1. Commas and Their Use ENGL 3100 Dr. Shelley Thomas

  2. Comma • Description • The comma is used more often than any other mark of punctuation because it has a variety of uses: it can link, enclose, separate, and show omission. Used with care, the comma can add clarity and emphasis to your writing; used carelessly, it can cause confusion. (520) (from Alred, Brusaw, Oliu. Writing that Works. New York: St. Martin’s, 1984.)

  3. Punctuation Saves Lives from http://8.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kqjf13bgi41qzwmnbo1_400.jpg

  4. Comma • “Do not follow the old myth that you should insert a comma wherever you would pause if you were speaking” (HTW 78).

  5. Comma – To Link • Coordinating conjunctions • and, but, for, or, so, nor, yet • Comma is placed BEFORE the coordinating conjunction to connect independent clauses

  6. Human beings have always prided themselves in their unique capacity to create and manipulate symbols. Example Today computers are manipulating symbols. Human beings have always prided themselves in their unique capacity to create and manipulate symbols, but today computers are manipulating symbols.

  7. Comma – To Enclose • Nonrestrictive elements • Provide additional, nonessential information about things they modify • Example • Our new Detroit factory, which began operations last month, should add 25 percent to total output.

  8. Comma – To Enclose • Parenthetical elements • Also provide extra information • Set off by commas to show a loose relationship with the rest of the sentence • Example • We can, of course, expect their lawyer to call us.

  9. Comma – To Separate • Introductory commas • Sets off introductory elements from the rest of the sentence • Indicates to the reader where the main part of the sentence (the subject) begins

  10. Example • Introductory Commas • Since many rare fossils never occur free from their matrix, it is wise to scan every slab with a hand lens. • During the first field-performance tests last year at our Colorado proving ground, the new motor failed to meet our expectations.

  11. Comma – To Separate • Items from each other • Commas should be used to separate words in a series. • Example • Basically, plants control the wind by obstruction,guidance, deflection, and filtration. • It is well known that plants absorb noxious gases, act as receptors of dust and dirt particles, and cleanse the air of other impurities.

  12. Comma – To Separate • Subordination • A comma separates the subordinating clause from the main clause • Example • While the test ramp was being checked a final time, the driver reviewed his checklist.

  13. Comma – To Separate • For clarity and emphasis • Two contrasting thoughts or ideas can be separated by commas • Example • The project was finished on time, but not within the cost limits. • It was Bill, not Matt, who suggested the names be changed.

  14. Comma Splice • Comma Splice is a grammatical error in which two independent clauses are joined by only a comma • Example • The new medical plan was comprehensive, the union negotiator was pleased. • Revision?

  15. Sentence Fragment • An incomplete grammatical unit that is punctuated as a sentence. • Example • Especially the outdoor cats. • Enough of this stuff. • Because of their dramatic effect.

  16. Exercises • Handout in groups

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