2. PUNCTUATION MADE EASY San Jose State University Writing Center

3. Examples from Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss Compare these sentences: A woman, without her man, is nothing. A woman, without her man, is nothing. A woman: without her, man is nothing. A woman: without her, man is nothing.

4. Examples from Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss Read the passage below: Dear Jack, I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. I can be forever happy—will you let me be yours? Jill Jill

5. Examples from Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss And now read this one: Dear Jack, I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men I yearn! For you I have no feelings whatsoever. When we’re apart I can be forever happy. Will you let me be? Yours,Jill

6. PUNCTUATION IS IMPORTANT Because it can radically alter the meaning of a text Because it can radically alter the meaning of a text Because it helps readers to understand what writers are trying to say Because it helps readers to understand what writers are trying to say Because it helps writers to be clear in what they are trying to communicate Because it helps writers to be clear in what they are trying to communicate

7. Conquering the Comma A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab Writing Lab

8. What Is a Comma? A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader. Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader.

9. Clauses and Phrases A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other.

10. Sentence Structure: Independent Clause A complete sentence has two components, a subject and a verb. A complete sentence has two components, a subject and a verb. The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause. The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause. The couple dances. subject (S) verb (V)

11. Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. Conjunctions Conjunctions –for –and –nor –but –or –yet –so FAN BOYS

12. Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction. The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. S V conj. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. S V

13. Where would you place the comma in the following sentence? Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him. Dan struggled with his homework, so his father helped him. S V conj. S V

14. Sentence Structure: Dependent Clause A dependent clause contains a subject and verb, but the clause cannot stand independently. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb, but the clause cannot stand independently. Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers. Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers. Some dependent clause markers: Some dependent clause markers: because since when while until if as though although unless after before once whether

15. Sentence Structure: Dependent Phrases and Clauses Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause. Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause. Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

16. Introductory clause= dependent clause located at the beginning of a sentence When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause. When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause. When Elizabeth called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue. When Elizabeth called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue. DCM S V S V

17. Introductory Clause Where would you place the comma in the following examples? After the movie ended we went out for coffee. Since it was raining we decided to go to the movies. Once the movie began I fell asleep. Since it was raining, we decided to go to the movies. DCM S V S V Once the movie began, I fell asleep. DCMS V S V After the movie ended, we went out for coffee. DCM S V S V

18. Dependent Clauses When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place a comma between the two. I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me. S V DCM S V I became very sick when the S V DCM roller coaster zoomed upside down. S V

19. Sentence Structure: Essential Phrases and Clauses An essential clause or phrase is used to modify a noun. An essential clause or phrase is used to modify a noun. It also adds information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence. It also adds information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence. Essential clauses are NOT set off by commas. Essential clauses are NOT set off by commas.

20. The people who work in my office are so uptight! Sentence Structure: Essential Phrases and Clauses S essential phrase V Without the essential phrase, this sentence does not make complete sense : The people are so uptight!

21. The martini that I had at Joe’s was much better than this one! Sentence Structure: Essential Phrases and Clauses S essential V The word “that” is almost always an indicator of an essential phrase or clause.

22. Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses A nonessential phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence. A nonessential phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence. This information can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence. This information can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence. Always place commas around nonessential phrases and clauses. Always place commas around nonessential phrases and clauses.

23. My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a party! My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a party! S non-essential V Even without the phrase the sentence still makes sense : My brother plans to throw a party! Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses

24. Steve said that he would propose to me on Valentine’s Day, which is my favorite holiday! S V non-essential Use commas to set off additional information Sentence Structure: Nonessential Phrases and Clauses

25. Would you place commas in the following sentences? If so, where? I am planning a trip to Paris which is one of the greatest cities in the world. I am planning a trip to Paris which is one of the greatest cities in the world. No comma is needed. The sentence is correct. The place that I would most like to see is the Eiffel Tower. Pierre who is one of my business contacts will meet me at the airport. I am planning a trip to Paris, which is one of the greatest cities in the world. Pierre, who is one of my business contacts, will meet me at the airport.

26. Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion. The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion. The comma before the conjunction is generally required, but it can be omitted if there is no possibility of confusion. The comma before the conjunction is generally required, but it can be omitted if there is no possibility of confusion.

27. Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series Consider the difference in the following: Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim. How many women did Alex date?

28. Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. Place commas in the following sentences: Place commas in the following sentences: Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series Martina brushed her hair put on her pajamas and went to bed. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess she kissed a frog and she rescued her prince. Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

29. Commas with adjectives Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. THE TEST: Can you put “and” between the adjectives? Can they be described in reverse order? If so, use a comma. big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, ungrateful man

30. A Common Comma Error: The Comma Splice A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma. A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma. We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon. S V The Internet has revolutionized the business world, S V online sales have increased dramatically this year. S V

31. To Correct a Comma Splice Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses. Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses. Start a new sentence. Start a new sentence. Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic). Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic). We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon. We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon. The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year.

32. The Colon: a sentence gateway The colon comes at a point in the sentence where the sentence could come to a complete stop. I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods. We could even put a period after the word “foods,” couldn’t we? In fact, we did.

33. The Colon: a sentence gateway We know, however, what’s going to come after this period. I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods. That’s right, a LIST of breakfast foods.

34. The Colon: a sentence gateway I’m going to tell you the names of my favorite breakfast foods : meuslix, cornflakes, oatmeal, grits and gravy, and yogurt on toast. And the proper punctuation mark to set off this list from what precedes it is a colon. The colon “announces” that a list is about to follow; it is the gateway to that list.

35. The Colon: a sentence gateway My favorite breakfast foods are meuslix, cornflakes, oatmeal, grits and gravy, and yogurt on toast. Would I use a colon in the sentence above? No, because the sentence does not come to a halt here. Instead, the sentence flows right into the list. A colon would not be appropriate here.

36. The Colon: a sentence gateway Examine this next sentence carefully. Our math tutor wants just one thing from us that we try our best. Here, we have an independent thought (ending with “us”). followed by another kind of completer (a noun clause).

37. The Colon: a sentence gateway To set off this completer, this explanation, we can use a colon. Our math tutor wants just one thing from us : that we try our best. These are the two main uses of the colon: to set off a list or an explanation that we know is about to follow the main part of the sentence.

38. The Colon: a sentence gateway We also use the colon to set off a formal quotation. My father was always using his favorite quotation from Yogi Berra : “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

39. The Colon: a sentence gateway Just remember that you usually know what is going to follow a colon: a list, an explanation, or a formal quotation. You have now mastered the uses of the colon, a very handy device in the punctuation of your sentences.

40. This PowerPoint presentation was created by Charles Darling, PhD Professor of English and Webmaster Capital Community College Hartford, Connecticut copyright November 1999

41. Our Friend, the Semicolon

42. Our Friend, the Semicolon Let’s begin with a simple sentence: Grandma stays up too late.

43. Our Friend, the Semicolon Now let’s expand on that a bit: Grandma stays up too late. She’s afraid she’s going to miss something. This is OK. Two independent ideas, separated by a period.

44. Our Friend, the Semicolon What if we try to combine the two ideas? Grandma stays up too late, she’s afraid she’s going to miss something. Something’s wrong. We connected two independent clauses with only a comma. The dreaded COMMA SPLICE!

45. Our Friend, the Semicolon We could insert a coordinating conjunction: This is better! Note the comma that accompanies the coordinating conjunction. Grandma is afraid she’ll miss something, so she stays up too late.

46. Our Friend, the Semicolon We could also try subordinating one of these ideas: Grandma stays up too late because she’s afraid she’s going to miss something. Notice that the comma disappeared. One idea (the second one) now depends on the other; it has become a dependent clause.dependent clause

47. Our Friend, the Semicolon But let’s try something else.

48. Let’s try using a semicolon in this sentence. Grandma stays up too late ; she’s afraid she’s going to miss something. Notice there is no conjunction used with this semicolon – either subordinating or coordinating. Just the semicolon, all by itself.

49. Our Friend, the Semicolon Sometimes semicolons are accompanied by conjunctive adverbs – words such as however, moreover, therefore, nevertheless, consequently, as a result. Grandma is afraid she’s going to miss something ; as a result, she stays up too late.

50. Our Friend, the Semicolon Notice the pattern: ; as a result, semicolon + conjunctive adverb + comma This is a typical construction with semicolons.

51. Our Friend, the Semicolon monster lists There is one other use of the semicolon: to help us sort out monster lists, like this one: The committee included Peter Wursthorn, Professor of Mathematics, from Marlborough, Connecticut, Virginia Villa, Professor of English, from Hartford, Connecticut, Paul Creech, Director of Rad-Tech, from Essex, Connecticut, and Joan Leach, Professor of Nursing, from Farmington, Connecticut.

52. Our Friend, the Semicolon Be careful where you insert semicolons in this sentence. The committee included Peter Wursthorn, Professor of Mathematics, from Marlborough, Connecticut ; Virginia Villa, Professor of English, from Hartford, Connecticut ; Paul Creech, Director of Rad-Tech, from Essex, Connecticut ; and Joan Leach, Professor of Nursing, from Farmington, Connecticut.

53. Our Friend, the Semicolon Now you know everything you’ll ever need to know about using semicolons!

54. This PowerPoint presentation was created by Charles Darling, PhD Professor of English and Webmaster Capital Community College Hartford, Connecticut copyright November 1999

55. QUOTATION MARKS are used around direct quotations of someone’s words, whether spoken or written: are used around direct quotations of someone’s words, whether spoken or written: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,” wrote Robert Frost.

56. QUOTATION MARKS are used around the titles of short works—articles, short stories, songs, book chapters, and poems: are used around the titles of short works—articles, short stories, songs, book chapters, and poems: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,” wrote Robert Frost at the beginning of his poem “The Road Not Taken.” “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,” wrote Robert Frost at the beginning of his poem “The Road Not Taken.”

57. QUOTATION MARKS are used to set off words used as words: are used to set off words used as words: The words “affect” and “effect” are often confused with each other. The words “affect” and “effect” are often confused with each other.

58. QUOTATION MARKS follow a set pattern when they are used for quotations within quotations. follow a set pattern when they are used for quotations within quotations. Begin with double quotation marks, then shift to single, and for quotations within quotations within quotations, shift back to double: Begin with double quotation marks, then shift to single, and for quotations within quotations within quotations, shift back to double: “Oh, no! I just heard Dr. Willoughby say, ‘And now I shall recite Hamlet’s famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy.’”

59. QUOTATION MARKS Follow set patterns when used with other marks of punctuation. Follow set patterns when used with other marks of punctuation. Commas and periods are always placed inside end quotation marks: Commas and periods are always placed inside end quotation marks: “Hand over all your money,” said the mugger, “or I’ll shoot.”

60. QUOTATION MARKS Semicolons and colons are always placed outside end quotation marks: Semicolons and colons are always placed outside end quotation marks: Senator Simpson wrote, “I regret that illness makes it impossible for me to attend your fundraising banquet”; he added, however, “I am enclosing a small check as a donation to your most worthy cause.” Some people think that writing personal ads for online dating has become a new sort of “art form”: it takes just as much craft and talent as painting a self-portrait, according to them.

61. QUOTATION MARKS Question marks are placed either outside or inside, depending on whether the question or exclamation is part of the quotation: Question marks are placed either outside or inside, depending on whether the question or exclamation is part of the quotation: “Now that I’ve finished my homework, can I play videogames?” Have you heard the old saying that you should “Look before you leap”?

62. QUOTATION MARKS Exclamation points also go either inside or outside, depending on whether they’re part of the exclamation: Exclamation points also go either inside or outside, depending on whether they’re part of the exclamation: “You never want me to play video games, even though I’ve already finished my homework!” “What a stupid thing to say—“Look before you leap”!