1. Bakersfield College Jessica Wojtysiak
Comma Rules Part 1

2. 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.

3. Commas have rules Specific rules guide the use of commas
Avoid the Shatner comma

4. 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.

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

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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: Still, he began to grow angry and rebellious.

10. 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: Sonia Nazario, a graduate of Williams College, wrote Enrique’s Journey.

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

12. 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.

13. 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:

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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?

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

18. Dates, Numbers, Cities Use a comma with Dates
Example: I was born on November 4, 1986.
Use a comma with numbers
Example: 1,000
Use a comma with location
Example: I was born in Dekalb, Illinois.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Any Questions? ?

22. Homework Continue Rough Draft Work: Check for comma usage!
Complete GGB pages (Chapter Reviews One and Two). Quiz on Wednesday!