Using Commas Correctly

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Using Commas Correctly
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Comma Rules

• Readers use commas (and other punctuation) to
  guide them through your sentence structures the
  way drivers use signs on the highway.
• Imagine the results of incorrect or randomly
  placed signs on highways
• Try not to use a comma unless you know there is a
  need for it.
• Comma rhyme When in doubt, leave it out.
• Among all of the comma rules, learn these six to
  make your writing easier to read.

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Rules 1, 2, and 3

• Use a comma before the 7 words that are used to
  connect two independent clauses (the fanboys
  for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
• We wrote our paragraphs in class today, but the
  teacher forgot to collect them.
• Use a comma to separate three or more items in a
  series.
• Today I did my laundry, washed my car, and
  cleaned my room.
• To see whether a comma is needed between words in
  a series, ask yourself if and could be used
  naturally between them. (The team members wore
  their brand new green uniforms.)
• If an address or date is used in a sentence, put
  a comma after every item, including the last.
  (My father was born on August 19, 1941, in Mesa,
  Arizona, and grew up there.)
• When only the month and year are used in a date,
  no commas are needed. (My parents were married
  in June 1969.)
• Put commas around the name of a person spoken to.
  (Did you know, Billy, that you are the last
  student to turn this assignment__)

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Rules 4, 5, and 6

• Put a comma after an introductory expression ( a
  word, a phrase, or a dependent clause) or before
  a comment or question tagged onto the end.
• Eventually, I will complete my degree.
• Once I have finished my homework, I will call
  you.
• Our new car isnt very fuel efficient, is it?
• Put commas around expressions that interrupt the
  flow of the sentence (however, moreover,
  therefore, of course, by the way, on the other
  hand, I believe, I think).
• They will try, therefore, to use the rest of
  their time more wisely.
• Sometimes these expressions flow smoothly into
  a sentence and dont need commas around them I
  think you made the right decision.
• Also remember that when a word like however is
  used between two independent clauses, it must be
  preceded by a semi-colon, but may also have a
  comma after it, especially if you hear a pause
  between the word and the rest of the sentence.
  (My mother was late however, we still made it to
  the store before it closed.)
• When only the month and year are used in a date,
  no commas are needed. (My parents were married
  in June 1969.)
• Put commas around additional information that is
  not needed in a sentence (its non-essential).
  In other words, the information may provide
  detail, but without it we would still know
  exactly what the sentence was about.
• Sara Barnwell, who developed the course content,
  will deliver the presentation in next Mondays
  class.

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Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

• Pair up with a classmate triplets are also
  acceptable
• You will also need either a laptop, or will need
  to go to the Internet Café to use a computer
• From the Grammar and ESL Exercises page of the
  OWL Website http//owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
  complete the following exercises
• Using Commas Exercise 1
• Commas vs. Semi-colons Exercise 1
• Commas w/Non-essential Elements Exercise 1
• Check Your Answers and either print or save the
  results to a file and bring them back to the
  classroom for discussion