Five Commas and a Semicolon

1. Five Commas and a Semicolon University Learning Center PC 247 / AC I 160 Call us and make an appointment! Developed by Jeniffer Viscarra

2. Introduction • Five comma rules - after introductory elements - with coordinating conjunctions - with items in a series - with coordinate adjectives - with nonrestrictive elements Semicolon • instead of period

3. Comma after introductory elements • When a dependent clause, phrase, expression, or word comes before an independent clause, set off such introductory material with a comma. • Sentences beginning with words such as : Between, When, If, or After will have the dependent – independent clause sentence structure.

4. Separate the dependent and introductory elements with a comma • When a hurricane threatens our coast people rush to the supermarkets to stock up on supplies. • Therefore it should not surprise us when we are faced with long lines. • Unfortunately bad habits are hard to break.

5. Answers(independent clauses are highlighted) • When a hurricane threatens our coast, people rush to the supermarkets to stock up on supplies. • Therefore, it should not surprise us when we are faced with long lines. • Unfortunately, bad habits are hard to break.

6. Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions • Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to link INDEPENDENT CLAUSES Two Independent clauses • The sky turned black. • The wind stopped. Combining the independent clauses: The sky turned black, and the wind stopped.

7. Commas with items in a series • In essence, a series is a list of three or more things with the same grammatical form and degree of importance. A coordinating conjunction (and, but, nor, so, yet, or) usually precedes the final item in a series.

8. Comma in a series (con’d) • Words - John bought apples, oranges, and bananas. • Phrases - To accelerate smoothly, to stop without jerking, and to make complete turns can require many hours of driving practice.

9. Comma between adjectives • Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that modify a noun equally. Use a comma between them unless a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but) links them. • The large, restless crowd wanted the concert to start. • The hot and steaming soup was served.

10. Adjectives (con’d) • Do not use a comma between cumulative adjectives, which do not carry equal weight in modifying a noun. The concert featured several familiar backup singers.

11. Nonrestrictive Elements • A nonrestrictive element (also called a nonessential element) adds information without changing the general meaning of the word it applies to. Nonessential elements are set off by commas. • Olympic athletes, who all have trained intensely, are usually in top physical shape.

12. The Semicolon • One way we can use a semicolon is to replace a period between sentences that are closely related in meaning; it can be used between two independent clauses (complete thoughts). • Hundreds of volunteers assisted in the cleanup effort; many worked from dawn to dusk.

13. Summary • Commas - after introductory elements - before coordinating conjunctions linking independent clauses - with items in a series (A,B,and C) - with coordinate adjectives (not cumulative) - to set off nonrestrictive elements/information • Semicolon - can link related independent clauses

14. Thank you for joining us! • You can also visit us at the learning center (PC 247 / AC I 160) or call to make an appointment with a tutor. • UP (305) 348-2180 • BB (305) 919-5927