Punctuation, Part 2

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Punctuation, Part 2

• Additional Comma Applications

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What Will You Learn?

• To separate INDEPENDENT ADJECTIVES with a comma
• To set off NONRESTRICTIVE word groups with a
  comma or a pair of commas
• To set off CONTRASTING or CONTINGENT expressions
  with commas
• To use commas to show word OMISSIONS
• To use commas for CLARITY
• To use commas to introduce SHORT QUOTATIONS

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Comma, Independent Adjectives
When two or more independent adjectives modify a noun, separate the adjectives with commas. Reverse the adjectives and insert the word and to test if the adjectives are independent.
independentadjectives Bob's positive, progressive attitude played a major role in his receiving the promotion. The witty, well-written manuscript was accepted for publication.
adjectivesnotIndependent Mr. Evans was awarded a handsome gold watch for 25 years of service. Were you able to purchase two new legal-size file cabinets for our office?
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Comma, Restrictive Phrases and Clauses
Restrictive phrases and clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence. If they are removed, the meaning of the sentence would be altered or unclear.
Essential for identification-tells which ones All employees who agree to work overtime this week will receive a bonus. All the remaining books that are outdated will be returned to the publishers.
Essential to meaning of sentence-limits main idea We will refund your deposit when you return the trailer. We have received a number of inquiries about our program since the announcement appeared in the PTA newsletter.
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Comma,Nonrestrictive Phrases and Clauses
Nonrestrictive phrases and clauses add an additional idea but do not substantially modify the meaning of a sentence. If they were removed, the meaning of the sentence would not be altered.
Use commas to set off nonrestrictive word groups from the remainder of the sentence.
additional idea Our bank manager, who originally came to our branch from New York City, will return to the East Coast next month.
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Comma, Nonrestrictive Phrases and Clauses
additional idea Our competitor's new laminating film, which was placed on the market a few months ago, is not proving to be satisfactory.
We will expand our plant facilities within the next year, as Mr. Warren indicated yesterday.
My assistant, hoping to take an extended vacation, arranged to find a replacement during his absence.
Ms. Ray, to mention just one agent, has sold more than 11 million worth of property this year.
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Comma, Contrasting/Contingent Expressions
Contrasting or contingent expressions should be set off by commas. Some words often used to introduce contrasting expressions are but, never, not, seldom, and yet.
contrasting expression Her argument was plausible, yet weak.
He has always asked Janet, not Marie, to prepare our monthly sales report.
contingent expression The more authority he is given, the more the other employees resent him.
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Comma, Omitted Words
Commas are used to indicate the omission of words when this omission is clearly understood from the context of the sentence.
? Last week we sold six homes this week, just four.  . . . , we sold just four.
? On March 3 we expect to receive seven of the dining room sets on March 10, an additional seven and on March 17, the final part of the order.
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Comma, Clarity
Separate with a comma two identical verbs that appear together in a sentence.
? On this lake whoever water-skis, water-skis at his or her own risk.
? All the meeting was, was an opportunity for the staff to meet the new assistant director.
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Comma, Clarity
Words repeated for emphasis are separated by a comma.
? Mr. Harris has had many, many opportunities for promotion.
? These artifacts were excavated from a civilization that existed long, long ago.
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Comma, Clarity
Use a comma to separate from the rest of the sentence words that could be read incorrectly.
? The week after, he was asked to resign.
? Ever since, our company has shown a profit.
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Comma, Short Quotations
Use a comma to separate from the rest of the sentence a complete sentence set off in quotation marks. If the quoted material is interrupted, place a comma after the first part and before the second part.
beginning quotation "Nobody seems to work around here," grumbled Mr. Lloyd.
ending quotation She answered loudly, "Place the material on the table."
interrupted quotation "Everyone will receive a bonus," announced Ms. Sidney, "if we reach our quota this season."
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Comma, Short Quotations
No comma is needed when the quotation is not a complete sentence or is woven in with the remainder of the sentence.
? Ms. Farrell answered the reporter's question with a simple "yes."
? His philosophy is "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush."
? We all sang "Happy Birthday" as she entered the room.
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