Title: Commas and Semicolons
1Commas and Semicolons
- A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop
2Four Basic Rules
- 1. Commas precede coordinating conjunctions when
they link independent clauses. - 2. Commas are needed after introductory words,
phrases, and clauses that come before the main
clause.
3Four Basic Rules
- 3. Commas are used to separate items in a series.
- 4. Commas are used to set off nonessential word
groups or parenthetical clauses.
4Rule 1 Commas precede coordinating conjunctions
when they link independent clauses.
- Example
- The minutes would pass, and then suddenly
Einstein would stop pacing as his face relaxed
into a gentle smile. -
- An independent clause is a group of words with a
subject and a verb that can or does stand alone
as a sentence.
5- Independent Clause
- The minutes would pass
- , and
- Independent Clause
- then suddenly Einstein would stop pacing . . .
6Other Conjunctions
7Common Errors
- If you use a comma without a conjunction you have
a comma splice. - Incorrect The minutes would pass, then Einstein
would stop pacing - If you omit the comma and the conjunction you
have a run-on sentence. - Incorrect The minutes would pass then Einstein
would stop pacing
8Corrections (besides comma and conjunction)
- Use a semicolon between the independent clauses
in the sentence. - Example
- The minutes would pass then suddenly Einstein
would stop pacing .
9Rule 2 Commas are needed after introductory
words, phrases, and clauses that come before the
main clause.
- Example
- Well, perhaps he meant no harm. In fact, he
wanted to help.
10Introductory words
- no
- well
- yes
- however
- first
- in fact
11Introductory Phrases long prepositional phrases
(usually four words or more)
- Example
- Due to his determination not to get a C, he did
all his homework.
12Introductory Phrases with -ing verbals, -ed
verbals, and to verbs
- Having finished the test before the bell rang, he
left the room. - Tired of never having enough money, she took a
second job. - To get a seat close to the stage, youd better
come early.
13Rule 3 Commas are used to separate items in a
series.
- Example
- The movie was action packed, suspenseful, and
romantic. - The comma before and is preferred.
14Words, phrases, and clauses in a series
- Example
- He spoke to Julio, then called his roommate, and
finally phoned me.
15Rule 4 Commas are used to set off nonessential
words groups (parenthetical clauses).
- Example
- The restaurant, which only serves breakfast and
lunch, was closed. - When a nonessential clause is removed, the
meaning of the main clause is the same.
16Word groups following nouns that identify or
explain the nouns are nonessential and need
commas.
- Examples
- Uncle Ike, a doctor, smoked too much even though
he warned his patients not to smoke. - She is a good friend, a person whom I trust and
admire.
17One Final Rule 5 Commas occasionally may be
needed for ease of reading, and clarity.
- Example
- Still, water must be transported.
18Additional comments
- Be consistent when using commas.
- A commas main purpose is to add clarity for the
reader. - When in doubt - dont.
19 20Semicolon Guidelines for Usage
- 1. Use a semicolon to separate two independent
clauses. - Example
- Some French fries are greasy some are not.
21- 2. Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs
when they are used to join independent clauses. - Example
- Some french fries are greasy however, others are
not.
22Conjunctive Adverbs
- also
- consequently
- nevertheless
- therefore
- then
- still
23General Rule
- Semicolons connect units of equal grammatical
rank.
24- The Learning Enhancement Center is designed to
serve the students of CCC. We are eager to be a
facilitator of successful learning. Please let us
know what your needs are, and we will design ways
to meet them. Thank you for attending this
workshop.