Commas: when and when not to use them By: Kelsey Quaile

If you have trouble using commas…Just remember PELICAN! Parenthetical elements Elliptical constructions Lists and series Introductory elements Compound sentences Antithetical elements Non-essential elements Nigel from Finding Nemo

Parenthetical elements Give extra information/detail Not needed for understanding sentence meaning Should be surrounded by commas Example: Dory, the forgetful fish, can speak whale!

Elliptical constructions “Sometimes commas are used to indicate omitted material in a sentence that can be understood from context” From the Duke Writing Studio website Example: Goldfish only live for a few months; sea turtles, over 100 years!

Lists and series Used in a series of three or more elements Commas present between elements that aren’t already separated by conjunctions Final comma in the list is optional Example: The main characters are Nemo, Marlin, and Dory Or… The main characters are Nemo, Marlin and Dory.

Introductory elements Words/phrases/dependent clauses that start sentences Need to be followed by a comma Also applies to exclamations and direct address Examples: After the shark encounter, the ship exploded! Watch out, the seagulls are coming! I’ve missed you, Dad!

Compound sentences Linking independent clauses by using a coordinating conjunction FANBOYS For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So Comma placed before FANBOYS Example: Nemo has a wimpy fin, so he has a hard time swimming.

Antithetical elements Used to express contrast Phrases that refer to the same thing or have the same function Example: Nemo’s mother was eaten by a barracuda, not a shark.

Non-essential elements Essential vs. Non-essential AKA: Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive Typically “that” vs. “which” Commas are not used with essential “that” Commas are used with non-essential “which” Examples: The address that Dory remembered was written on the scuba-diver’s goggles. The address, which Dory remembered, was written on the scuba-diver’s goggles.

There are, of course, other times to use commas… …but they didn’t fit into the PELICAN acronym! Quotations Comma usually placed before quote Interrupters Commas usually placed around interrupters Conjunctive adverbs However, although, nevertheless, whereas, etc. When linking to independent clauses, a semi-colon is placed before and a comma is placed after a conjunctive adverb.

Quick Review! Where should commas be placed in the following sentences? Which rules are being used? Marlin with the help of Dory searched for Nemo throughout the film. In the end they find Nemo and they have made many friends along the way. Marlin and Dory face sharks whales jellyfish crabs and sea turtles during their journey. Unbelievable the fish escape from the dentist’s office! The goggles gave Marlin and Dory the directions that lead them to Sydney.

Comma usage handouts http://twp.duke.edu/uploads/media_items/comma s.original.pdf https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/607/