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Commas and Semicolons

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Commas and Semicolons A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop Four Basic Rules 1. Commas precede coordinating conjunctions when they link independent clauses. – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Commas and Semicolons


1
Commas and Semicolons
  • A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop

2
Four 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.

3
Four 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.

4
Rule 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 . . .

6
Other Conjunctions
  • but
  • or
  • for
  • nor
  • so
  • yet

7
Common 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

8
Corrections (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 .

9
Rule 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.

10
Introductory words
  • no
  • well
  • yes
  • however
  • first
  • in fact

11
Introductory Phrases long prepositional phrases
(usually four words or more)
  • Example
  • Due to his determination not to get a C, he did
    all his homework.

12
Introductory 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.

13
Rule 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.

14
Words, phrases, and clauses in a series
  • Example
  • He spoke to Julio, then called his roommate, and
    finally phoned me.

15
Rule 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.

16
Word 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.

17
One Final Rule 5 Commas occasionally may be
needed for ease of reading, and clarity.
  • Example
  • Still, water must be transported.

18
Additional comments
  • Be consistent when using commas.
  • A commas main purpose is to add clarity for the
    reader.
  • When in doubt - dont.

19
  • The Semicolon

20
Semicolon 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.

22
Conjunctive Adverbs
  • also
  • consequently
  • nevertheless
  • therefore
  • then
  • still

23
General 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.
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