Bakersfield College Jessica Wojtysiak Comma Rules Part 1

Journey Entry: Job Happiness Reflection What factors contribute to job happiness? Think of someone you know who hates their job. You may write about yourself. Write about why you think this person hates their job. Think of someone you know who loves their job. You may write about yourself. Write about why this person loves their job.

Commas have rules Specific rules guide the use of commas Avoid the Shatner comma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cOlJdObNlc

Reviewing Clauses Independent clause (A Complete SV sentence) Has subject and a verb Is a complete thought and can stand alone Ex: Innovative students display intrinsic motivation within the classroom.

Dependent Clauses Dependent clause Is not a complete sentence Offers additional semantic content Example: While I waited for the bus

Identifying Dependent and Independent Clauses We laughed According to a study at the University of Toronto If the human body Please speak softly Which is the yellow brick road I’m not going into that cave Seen Carson lately?

Rule 1: Commas & Fanboys Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (fanboys) to link 2 independent clauses Formula: IC, one of the fanboys IC Example: The steering was stiff, yet the car rode smoothly. Example: Gender norms are a traditional part of Western society, but they need to be challenged.

Rule 1 Note: This rule does not apply to dependent clauses connected by the fanboys. Ex: Dogs and cats living together would cause mass hysteria.

Rule 2: Introductory Elements Use a comma to set off introductory elements (phrases, dependent clauses, transitional words, idiomatic expressions, direct addresses) Formula: Introductory Clause, IC Ex: First of all, heteronormativity reinforces prejudice against homosexuals. Ex: Still, he began to grow angry and rebellious.

Rule 3: Non-essential elements Set off non-essential or non-restrictive elements, tagons, interrupters with a comma Formula: Beginning of IC, interrupter, remainder of the IC Ex: Audre Lorde, a linguistics professor, focuses reader attention upon gendered communication. Ex: Sonia Nazario, a graduate of Williams College, wrote Enrique’s Journey.  

Rule 4: Items in a List Use a Comma to Separate items in a List Formula: item 1, item 2, item 3, …

Use commas, don’t be a psycho Wrong: I like cooking my family and my dog. Right: I like cooking, my family, and my dog.

The Oxford Comma The Oxford Comma is a serial comma placed before the coordinating conjunction in a series of three or more items. Check out the debate that drives grammar nerds wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptM7FzyjtRk

Rule 5: Coordinate Adjectives Separate coordinate adjectives with a comma (adjectives that separately and equally modify a noun) Example: A boring, mandatory class would have been unacceptable.

Testing Coordinate Adjectives Not all paired adjectives are coordinate adjectives Example: I put dark brown sugar in my oatmeal. – Test: Replace the comma with “and” to see if it is grammatical. Then, change the order of the adjectives to see if the sentence still makes sense.

Watch out for tricky noun phrases The cowardly Red Coat retreated at the first sign of resistance. Does this sentence need a comma? Correct: Nadia bought a long red coat. What is the difference between these two sentences?

Rule 6: Direct Quotations Use a Comma to introduce direct quotations Example: My friends often say, “You are such a nerd.”

Dates, Numbers, Cities Use a comma with Dates Example: I was born on November 4, 1976. Use a comma with numbers Example: 1,000 Use a comma with location Example: I was born in Dekalb, Illinois.

Do not use a comma Because you think a pause should occur in a sentence Because you think it looks good When in doubt, if you can’t think of a rule that requires the use of a comma, don’t use it Avoid the Shatner comma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfFH4KkHXQ

Comma Practice 1. I don’t usually offer unsolicited advice but this seems like a special case. 2. While I enjoyed reading your essay I do have some suggestions. 3. The brilliant witty professor discussed Shakespeare’s sonnets. 4. Check for spelling accuracy and punctuation before turning in your essay. 5. If I can repay the debt let me know. 6. Jessica a graduate of Cornell University is our instructor. 7. I don’t like it when you’re angry with me especially when it wasn’t my fault. 8. The former secret agent changed his identity.

Any Questions? ?

Homework Complete Plato Modules 2 (Due Tonight) & 3 (Get an Early Start!) Read Enrique’s Journey Chapter 4 for Monday Complete GGB pages 117-119 (Chapter Reviews One and Two). Quiz on Monday!