Purdue University Writing Lab Conquering the Comma A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab

Purdue University Writing Lab What Is a Comma? Commas help your reader figure out which words go together in a sentence and which parts of your sentences are most important.

Myth Buster MYTH: Long sentences need a comma. TRUTH: A really long sentence may be perfectly correct without commas. The length of sentences does not determine whether you need a comma. Purdue University Writing Lab

Myth Buster MYTH: You should add a comma wherever you pause. TRUTH: Where you pause or breathe in a sentence does not reliably indicate where a comma belongs. Different readers pause and breathe in different places. Purdue University Writing Lab

Myth Buster MYTH: Commas are so mysterious that it’s impossible to figure out where they belong. Truth: Some rules are flexible, but most of the time, commas belong in very predictable places! Purdue University Writing Lab

Before we begin…Let’s talk Clauses and Phrases A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other.

Clause: contains a subject and verb. If they form complete thoughts, we call them independent clauses. If they form incomplete thoughts, we call them dependent or subordinate clauses. Phrase: word clusters lacking subject and verb combinations. Added slide Clauses and Phrases

Clause examples: 1) We collected the data (Complete sentence with a subject and verb. This is an independent clause.) 2) While we collected the data (FRAGMENT as is even though it has a subject and verb. This is a dependent clause.) Phrase example: While collecting data (also a fragment, but not even a subject and verb!) Added slide Clauses and Phrases

Commas and Introductory Bits (S,M,L) Setting off introductory words, phrases, and clauses with a comma lets readers know that the main subject and main verb of the sentence come later. There are three kinds of introductory bits: small, medium, and large. No matter what size they are, an introductory bit cannot stand alone as a complete thought; it simply introduces the main subject and verb. Purdue University Writing Lab

Small Bits There are small (just one word) introductory bits:  Generally, extraterrestrials are friendly and helpful.  Moreover, some will knit booties for you if you ask nicely. Purdue University Writing Lab

Medium Bits There are medium introductory bits. Often these are two- to four-word prepositional phrases or brief –ing and –ed phrases.  In fact, Godzilla is just a misunderstood teen lizard of giant proportions.  Throughout his early life, he felt a strong affinity with a playful dolphin named Flipper.  Frankly speaking, Godzilla wanted to play the same kind of roles that Flipper was given.  Dissatisfied with destruction, he was hopeful to frolic in the waves with his Hollywood friends. Purdue University Writing Lab

Large Bits There are large introductory bits (four or more words). You can often spots these by looking for key words/groups such as although, if, as, in order to, and when.  If you discover that you feel nauseated, then you know you’ve tried my Clam Surprise.  As far as I’m concerned, it is the best dish for dispatching unwanted guests. Purdue University Writing Lab

Commas and FANBOYS Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence A sentence that contains two simple sentences joined by a conjunction is called a compound sentence. A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. Conjunctions  for  and  nor  but  or  yet  so FAN BOYS

Purdue University Writing Lab Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the conjunction. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. S V conj. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. S V

FANBOYS… Words: I am almost dressed and ready. Phrases: My socks are in the living room or under my bed. Clauses: They smell really bad, so they will be easy to find.  Notice that you will always have a comma before FANBOYS that join two independent clauses. Purdue University Writing Lab

Where would you place the comma in the following sentence? Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him. Dan struggled with his homework, so his father helped him. S V conj. S V

Added slide We see these as sentences with a pattern: SV, conj. SV Sentence Structure: Pattern for the Compound Sentence Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him. I built a very strong boat, yet it still sunk to the ground. S V,conj. S V He journeyed a long way, for his home was across the ocean. S V,conj. S V

FANBOYS Fakers Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) are words similar to FANBOYS, but they take different punctuation.  GOOD: Basketball is my favorite sport. However, table tennis is where I excel.  ALSO GOOD: Basketball is my favorite sport; however, table tennis is where I excel.  BAD: Basketball is my favorite sport, however table tennis is where I excel.  ALSO BAD: Basketball is my favorite sport, however, table tennis is where I excel. Purdue University Writing Lab

X, Y, and Z Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion.

Purdue University Writing Lab Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series Consider the difference in the following: Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim. How many girls did Alex date?

Purdue University Writing Lab Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. Place commas in the following sentences: Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series Martina brushed her hair put on her pajamas and went to bed. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess she kissed a frog and she rescued her prince. Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

Purdue University Writing Lab Commas with adjectives Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. THE TEST: Can you put “and” between the adjectives? Can they be described in reverse order? If so, use a comma. big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, ungrateful man

Sentence Structure: Appositives An appositive is a noun or phrase that identifies the person or thing it follows. Use commas to set off MOST appositives. Do not use commas to set off a short appositive, such as one name. This is my friend Kara. Purdue University Writing Lab

My brother, the biggest nerd I know, plans to throw a party! S appositive V Even without the appositive, the sentence still makes sense : My brother plans to throw a party! Sentence Structure: Appositives

…and Interrupters Two commas can be used to set off additional information that appears within the sentence but is separate from the primary subject and verb of the sentence. Hint: You should be able to take out the words between the commas and still have a complete and clear sentence. Purdue University Writing Lab

Interrupters continued… Bob Mills, a sophomore from Raleigh, was the only North Carolina native at the Japanese food festival in Cary. Aaron thought he could see the future, not the past, in the wrinkles of his skin. My chemistry book, which weighs about 100 pounds, has some really great examples. Purdue University Writing Lab

A Common Comma Error: The Comma Splice A comma splice is an error in which two sentences are joined by a comma. We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon. S V The Internet has revolutionized the business world, S V online sales have increased dramatically this year. S V

Purdue University Writing Lab To Correct a Comma Splice Insert a conjunction between the two sentences. Start a new sentence. Insert a semi-colon between the two sentences. We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon. We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon. The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year.