Punctuating Independent Clauses Chapter 20: Punctuation! End Marks Abbreviations Commas in a Series Punctuating Independent Clauses Other Comma Usage

End Marks An end mark is a mark of punctuation placed at the end of a sentence. Declarative . Interrogative ? Exclamatory ! Imperative . Or !

Abbreviations With Periods Without Periods Personal Names Titles used with Names States Organizations and Companies Addresses Times Without Periods VCR, FBI, TV Two letter state codes In. = inches & in = preposition End of a sentence only if it ends with a ? It dates back to B.C. Why St. Louis, M.O.?

Commas in a Series Use commas to separate items in a series. My sisters and I collect coins, hats, rocks, and stamps. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun, but not after the last adjective before the noun. Running the race was a fun, challenging, exhausting experience.

Punctuating Independent Clauses Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so and yet when they join independent clauses. Independent clauses in a series are usually separated by semi colons. However, a comma can separate short independent clauses.

Commas are Nonessential Use commas to set off nonessential clauses and nonessential participial phrases That scarf, which is real silk, was made in India. An essential (or restrictive) phrase or clause is one that cannot be left out without changing the meaning of the sentence. A book written by James Ullman is about climbing a mountain. Adjective clauses that begin with “that” are usually essential.

Commas with Introductory Elements Use a comma after yes, no, and mild exclamations like well and why. No, the restaurant is not closing early this evening. Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. Frightened by the loud noise, the baby cried all night. Use a comma after two or more introductory prepositional phrases. On the sidewalk behind the school, squirrels gathered to look for food. Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause. After you come home from band practice, please prepare dinner.

Commas Cause Interruptions Appositives and appositive phrases are usually set off by commas. Cheryl, the class president, is giving a speech. Use commas to set off words used in direct address. Sally, do you have my shoes? Use commas to set of parenthetical expressions. Jackson, on the other hand, would make a great assistant. A parenthetical expression is a side remark that adds information. (nevertheless, for instance, however, that is, therefore)

Practice! What are the three types of end marks? What are the six abbreviations with periods? How do you use a comma to join independent clauses? Are commas nonessential or essential? Explain. Give three examples of when to use a comma.

Commas Can Do So Much Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of any letter Use a comma after the name followed by an abbreviation such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. and after the abbreviation when it is used in a sentence.

Run- On Sentences I am a woman I am a truck driver. I am a woman; nevertheless, I am a truck driver. I am a woman. I am a truck driver. I am a woman, I am a truck driver. Comma Splice I am a woman, and I am a truck driver.

More Practice! Write a simple sentence Add an independent clause to it Make a comma splice Make a run-on Fix it using three different punctuation marks

Running On What is a run-on? Fusing together two independent clauses Needs internal punctuation Watch out for the comma splice Just adding a comma (needs a link) Determined by tone, rhythm, personal style