1. The Comma Cabana English 101 Karl Fornes

2. Four Uses for Commas (SMH Ch. 48) oTo separate items in a series oTo connect independent clauses with a conjunction oTo isolate introductory material oTo isolate “nonessential” material

3. Separating Items in a Series oMust be more than two items oIf the items have commas within them, then use semi- colons oDo you need a comma before the final item in the series? It’s up to you!

4. Connecting Independent Clauses o“Independent” clauses are clauses that can stand alone as sentences. oBecause they are so independent, commas need help to hold these clauses together. oThey get this help from the FANBOYS.

5. Connecting Independent Clauses Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions For And Nor But (SMH Page 589) Or Yet So

6. Connecting Independent Clauses Some Independent Clauses oJim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella. oThe bartender gave him a Coke. Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella, but the bartender gave him a Coke.

7. Connecting Independent Clauses Some Independent Clauses oJim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella. oHe wandered over to the tiki hut. Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella, and (so?) he wandered over to the tiki hut. Jim wanted a pina colada with an umbrella and wandered over to the tiki hut.

8. Isolating Introductory Material Dependent Clauses oDependent clauses are, well, “dependent” on the main (“independent”) clause of a sentence. oSome subordinating conjunctions because, although, while, until, and before, when (SMH page 590)

9. Isolating Introductory Material Dependent Clauses oWhen a dependent clause begins a sentence, a comma is needed to connect it to the independent clause. oA comma is not necessary if the dependent clause ends the sentence.

10. Isolating Introductory Material Dependent Clauses oAlthough he was not old enough to drink alcohol, Jim ordered a pina colada. oThe bartender did not serve him because Jim was not twenty one. oBecause they determine when to use commas, students need to know their subordinating and coordinating conjunctions.

11. Isolating Introductory Material Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases oConjunctive adverbs and transitions are like conjunctions because they connect ideas. oBecause they connect ideas across sentences (or between semi-colons), they work with commas differently than conjunctions. oHowever, nevertheless, furthermore, meanwhile, consequently, on the other hand, in fact, therefore, etc. (SMH page 590 and 673)

12. Isolating Introductory Material Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases oJim was dying of thirst and wanted a pina colada. Nevertheless, he was not twenty one, and the bartender refused to serve him alcohol. oI am getting sick of Jim and his issues. As a result, we will discuss other people in future examples. Specifically, we will discuss USC Aiken students.

13. Isolating “Nonessential” Material Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases oOccasionally, conjunctive adverbs and transitions will come in the middle of the sentence. When that occurs, two commas will be necessary to isolate the “nonessential” material. oUSCA students, of course, can serve as perfect examples.

14. Isolating “Nonessential” Material Nonrestrictive Modifiers oModifiers are phrases that refer to a specific element within the sentence. oNonrestrictive modifiers provide information about an element in the sentence that is not essential to understanding the element that they modify.

15. Isolating “Nonessential” Material Nonrestrictive Modifiers What’s the difference between these two sentences? oUSCA students, who are lazy and do not study, do not perform well in class. oUSCA students who are lazy and do not study do not perform well in class.

16. Isolating “Nonessential” Material Nonrestrictive Modifiers oThe first sentence does not “restrict” the number of USCA students. Therefore, it says that all USCA students are lazy and do not do well. oThe second sentence “restricts” the number of USCA students. Consequently, it says that only some USCA students are lazy and do not do well.

17. Once Again, The “Big Four” oTo separate items in a series oTo connect independent clauses with a conjunction oTo isolate introductory material oTo isolate “nonessential” material