Commas and Semicolons

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Commas and Semicolons

• A Learning Enhancement Center Workshop

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• Independent Clause
• The minutes would pass
• , and
• Independent Clause
• then suddenly Einstein would stop pacing . . .

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Other Conjunctions

• but
• or
• for
• nor
• so
• yet

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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

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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 .

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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.

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Introductory words

• no
• well
• yes
• however
• first
• in fact

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Words, phrases, and clauses in a series

• Example
• He spoke to Julio, then called his roommate, and
  finally phoned me.

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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.

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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.

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One Final Rule 5 Commas occasionally may be
needed for ease of reading, and clarity.

• Example
• Still, water must be transported.

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Additional comments

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

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• The Semicolon

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Semicolon Guidelines for Usage

• 1. Use a semicolon to separate two independent
  clauses.
• Example
• Some French fries are greasy some are not.

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• 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.

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Conjunctive Adverbs

• also
• consequently
• nevertheless
• therefore
• then
• still

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General Rule

• Semicolons connect units of equal grammatical
  rank.

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• 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.