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

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Comma usage handouts
s.original.pdf