Section 1 The Comma (Part II)

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Section 1The Comma (Part II)

• OST164
• Text Editing Applications

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The Comma - 126 (a)

• When a compound sentence consists of two
  independent clauses joined by a coordinating
  conjunction (and, but, or, or nor), place a
  separating comma before the conjunction.
• Do use a comma because both are independent
  clauses
• Mrs. Genster noticed a small discrepancy in the
  figures, and on that basis she decided to
  reanalyze the data.
• Do not use a comma because both are not
  independent clauses
• Mrs. Genster noticed a small discrepancy in the
  figures and on that basis decided to reanalyze
  the data.
• Do use a comma because both are independent
  clauses
• Either we step up our promotion efforts, or we
  must be content with our share of the market.
• Do not use a comma because both are not
  independent clauses
• Either we step up our promotion efforts be
  content with our share of the market.

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The Comma - 126 (b)

• For special effect, the comma before the
  coordinating conjunction can be replaced by a
  period, a question mark, or an exclamation point.
• Is it self-confidence that makes you successful,
  or is it success that makes you self-confident?
• Is it self-confidence that makes you successful?
  Or is it success that makes you self-confident?

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The Comma - 126 (c)

• When a compound sentence consists of three of
  more independent clauses, punctuate this series
  like any other series.
• Bob can deal with the caterer, Nora can handle
  publicity, and I can take care of the rest.
• Jacob cant dance, Janie cant sing, and John
  cant whistle.

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The Comma - 127 (a)

• Do not confuse a compound sentence with a simple
  sentence containing a compound predicate. A
  compound sentence contains at least two
  independent clauses, and each clause contains a
  subject and a predicate.
• Barbara just got her masters, and she is now
  looking for a job in sales
• Barbara just got her masters and is now looking
  for a job in sales.
• Sammie is going out to eat, and he is also going
  to the ballgame.
• Sammie is going out to eat and also to the
  ballgame.

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The Comma - 128

• Do not use a comma between two independent
  clauses that are not joined by a coordinating
  conjunction.
• Incorrect
• Please review these spreadsheets quickly, I need
  them back tomorrow.
• Correct
• Please review these spreadsheets quickly. I need
  them back tomorrow.

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The Comma - 129

• If either clause of a compound sentence is short,
  the comma may be omitted before the conjunction.
  Go ahead and put the comma!
• Their prices are low, and their service is
  efficient.
• I would help you, but I dont have the time.
• Please initial these forms, and return them by
  Monday.
• Watch for confusion
• Please dont litter, and recycle whenever
  possible.
• Please dont litter and recycle whenever
  possible. Without the comma, the second sentence
  sounds like you dont want them to recycle.

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The Comma 130

• Introductory Dependent Clauses
• When a dependent clause precedes the independent
  clause, separate the clauses with a comma.
• Before we can make a decision, we must have all
  he facts.
• When you read the Weissberg study, look at
  Appendix 2 firsts.
• If they have invested more carefully, they could
  have avoided bankruptcy.

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The Comma 131 a and b

• When a dependent clause follows the main clause
  or falls within the main clause, commas are used
  or omitted depending on whether the dependent
  clause is essential or nonessential.
• Essential
• The person who used to be Englunds operations
  manager is now doing the same job for Jenniman
  Brothers.
• Nonessential
• George Pedersen, who used to be Englunds
  operations manager, is now doing the same job for
  Jenniman Brothers.

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The Comma 131 a and b (contd)

• Essential
• The Pennington bid arrived after we had made our
  decision.
• Nonessential
• The Pennington bid arrived on Tuesday, after we
  had made our decision.
• Essential
• Damatos suggestion that we submit the issue to
  arbitration may be the only sensible alternative.
• Nonessential
• Damatos latest suggestion, that we submit the
  issue to arbitration, may be the only sensible
  alternative.

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132 Essential versus Nonessential

• Essential His faxed response came after you left
  last evening.
• Nonessential His faxed response came this
  morning, after the decision had been made.
• Essential The results of the mailing are as you
  predicted they would be.
• Nonessential The results of the mailing are
  disappointing, as you predicted they would be.

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132 Essential versus Nonessential

• Essential We will fill your order as soon as we
  receive new stock.
• Nonessential We will fill your order next week,
  as soon as we receive new stock.
• Essential This package is for the friend whom I
  am visiting.
• Nonessential This package is for my cousin Amy,
  whom I am visiting.

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The Comma 135

• Introductory Phrases - Use a comma after an
  introductory participial phrase.
• Seizing the opportunity, I presented an overview
  of our medium-range plans.
• Established in 1905, our company takes great
  pride in its reputation for high-quality
  products.
• Having checked the statements myself, I feel
  confident that they are accurate.

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The Comma 135 (contd)

• Watch out for phrases that look like introductory
  participial phrases but actually serve as the
  subject of the sentence or part of the predicate.
• Looking for examples of good acknowledgement
  letters in our files has taken me longer than I
  had hoped.
• Following Mrs. Fahnstocks speech was a
  presentation by Ms. Paley.

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The Comma 138

• Use commas to set off transitional expressions.
  These nonessential words are phrases are called
  transitional because they help the reader
  mentally relate the preceding thought to the idea
  now being introduced.

Additionally In my opinion Hopefully
To be honest Unfortunately Indeed
As you know In any case Likewise
To sum up Generally At any rate
In the long run In the first place meanwhile
(Examples of these are on the next slide.)
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The Comma 138

• Additionally, I am giving you a 5 percent bonus.
• To be honest, Joe had rather dance with me.
• As you know, the time has come to go.
• To sum up, I think our business is failing.
• In the long run, education always pays off.
• In my opinion, Buttons is a really smart dog.
• Unfortunately, the rain caused us to cancel
  today.
• In any case, we will continue to run the race.
• Generally, my parents go to bed early.
• In the first place, you should not have told him.

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The Comma 143

• With the adverb too (in the sense of also
  occurs at the end of a clause or a sentence, the
  comma preceding is omitted.
• If you feel that way too, why dont we just drop
  all further negotiations?
• They are a bigger share of the market too.
• Otherwise, too is simply set off with two commas
• You, too, could be in the Caribbean right now.
• Then, too, there are the additional taxes to be
  considered.

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The Comma 145

• Names and titles used in direct address must be
  set off by commas.
• No, sir, that is privileged information.
• I count on your support, Bob.
• We agree, Mrs. Connolly, that your order was
  badly handled.

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The Comma - 160

• Use two commas to set off the name of a state, a
  country, or the equivalent when it directly
  follows the name of a city or a county.
• Four years ago, I transferred from Bartlesville,
  Oklahoma, to Bern, Switzerland.
• Could Pickaway County, Ohio, become a haven for
  retired editors?
• Our Pierre, South Dakota, office is the one
  nearest to you.

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The Comma - 161

• When expressing complete addresses, follow this
  style
• During the month of September, you can send all
  documents directly to me at 402 Woodbury Road,
  Pasadena, CA 91104, or you can ask my assistant
  to forward them.
• In displayed blocks
• 402 Woodbury Road
• Pasadena, CA 91104

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The Comma - 163

• For a series in an organizations name, always
  follow the style preferred by that organization.
  Do not use a comma before an unless you know
  the organization prefers to do so.
• Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner Smith
  Incorporated
• Aspinwall, Bromley, Carruthers Dalgleish
• Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc.
• If you do not have the company letterhead, follow
  the standard rules.