Using Commas Writing Consultant Presentation EG 1003: Intro to Engineering and Design NYU’s Polytechnic School of Engineering

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions

 In the eighteenth century, the first balloon with human passengers was flown.  However, the robot was precise.  Using LabVIEW to create a VI took some practice; nevertheless, it was easier than building a physical instrument.  Taking one’s time to brainstorm before designing a vehicle is crucial to success. Whenever subject is delayed

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions

Lists of more than two items  In this lab, the lab PC, LabVIEW software, a data acquisition (DAQ) board, a breadboard, and LEDs were used.  Before the exam, one should review, say prayers, sleep well, and eat breakfast.

 Before taking the exam, one should review, which means study one’s class notes and the reading assignments; get a good night’s sleep, especially at the end of the semester; say prayers, whether one is religious or not; and eat a nutritious, satisfying breakfast. Supercommas with items with commas

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions

Adjectives that modify equally  The accurate, precise robot should be put on the market.  The diligent, painstaking process of product evaluation is vital in today’s world.

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions

 The placement of commas, in fact, is a difficult matter even for native speakers.  Yes, it is true that printed material is edited and does not reflect the author’s expertise.  A Mindstorms kit, a modular construction set, was used in this lab. Interruptions need 2 commas

 The graphical programming language G is used in LabVIEW.  In Lab 5, “Digital Logic,” the objective was to design a logic circuit using LabVIEW. Restrictive info has no commas

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions

 Students write papers, so their professors comment on them.  Professors comment carefully, for their students have expended effort to write.  Students write papers, yet they do not read them. Two clauses and a comma

 Students write papers and take exams.  Students write papers in English class and EG  Students and professors enjoy EG When not to use a comma

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions

 Whenever a subordinate clause comes first, there is a comma before the main clause.  There is no comma when the subordinate clause follows the main clause. Two different situations

 Because they were taught a bad lesson in high school, many students are afraid to start a sentence with “because.”  However, it is grammatically correct if you do have an independent clause afterward.  The problem is made worse because “however” is usually an adverb. It is okay to start with because

 Most students think commas are easy, although few really know how to use them. Exception: contrasting material

Using Commas 1.Introductory phrases 2.Items in a list 3.Coordinate adjectives 4.Interrupting words 5.Coordinating conjunctions 6.Subordinating conjunctions