Common Misuses of the Comma

1. Common Misuses of the Comma Shawn Schulz & Jason Walter

2. Test TimeWhat comma doesn’t fit in? • 1. Three students, studied for their test, they studied on Thursday. • 2. On President’s day, I went to the mall, with my friends. • Where is the missing comma? • 3. The subject, reflecting, should not be separated from the verb is. • 4. Clauses beginning with although even though though and whereas present a contrasting thought. • 5. The Cincinnati Bengals are the best team in the AFC North.

3. Do not use commas to separate major elements in an independent clause. • Ex. 1. Reflecting on one’s life, is necessary for emotional growth. • Ex. 2. Washburn decided, that her own efforts were key to her success.

4. Do not add a comma before the first or after the final item in a series. • Ex. 1. Americans work longer hours than, German, French, or British workers, are expected to work.

5. Do not use commas to separate compound word groups unless they are independent clauses. • Ex. 1. Injuries were so frequent that he became worried, and started to play more cautiously. • EX. 2. He is worried that injuries are more frequent, and that he will have to play more cautiously to avoid them.

6. Do not use commas to set off restrictive modifiers, appositives, or slightly parenthetical words or phrases. • Ex. 1. The applicants, who had studied for the admissions test were restless and eager for the exam to begin. • Ex. 2. The director, Michael Curtiz, was responsible for many great films in the 1930’s and 1940’s, including Casablanca.

7. Watch out for and correct other common errors in using the comma. • Ex. 1. Three, well-known, American writers visited the artist’s studio.