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Common Punctuation Rules When do we use the comma? When do we break the rule?

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Presentation on theme: "Common Punctuation Rules When do we use the comma? When do we break the rule?"— Presentation transcript:

1 Common Punctuation Rules When do we use the comma? When do we break the rule?

2 Between Independent Clauses (FANBOYS Rule) Before coordinators for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so: This is a good rule, but we don’t always follow this rule in shorter sentences. No comma: I smiled but I felt sad. 

3 In a List of 3 or More Items (Serial or Oxford Comma Rule) Before the and of the final item: I bought 2 cans of beans, milk, bananas, and eggs. Hugo, Oumar, and Elizabeth found the error. BUT not everyone agrees with this rule. Google Oxford comma and you’ll see what I mean. Oxford comma

4 Between Adjectives He has a calm, friendly personality It was a busy, noisy class. BUT not between adjectives that must be in a certain order: She wore a beautiful pink dress. (Colors are placed closer to the noun they modify.)

5 After a Dependent / Subordinate Clause After it rained, the sun came out. If you enjoy grammar, you are lucky! Once you understand the rules, you will figure out which ones you can break.

6 Around a Nonidentifying Adjective Clause Interstellar, which I mentioned recently, is playing at the IMAX Theater at the Science Center.

7 Around a Nonessential Appositive* We like to argue about whether to use the Oxford, or serial, comma. Elinor Appel, an ESL teacher, used the Oxford comma in Boston. *An appositive modifies, explains, or gives more information about a noun.

8 With Direct Quotes In front of the quote: Elinor said, “We can break some grammar rules.” After the quote: “We can break some grammar rules,” she said.

9 With Transition Words and Phrases First, I will tell you about my parents. Next, I will tell you about myself. Finally, I will tell you about my children. Other transition words and phrases: moreover, however, in fact, as a result, for that reason …

10 In Place Names and Dates When both parts are words: She is from Mexico City, Mexico. Or when both parts are numbers: She left Mexico on July 13, 2009.

11 Between Duplicate Words Whatever you do, do the best you can.

12 To Avoid Confusion A panda walks into a café. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and proceeds to fire it at the other patrons. "Why?" asks the confused, surviving waiter amidst the carnage, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder. "Well, I'm a panda," he says. "Look it up." The waiter turns to the relevant entry in the manual and, sure enough, finds an explanation. "Panda. Large black-and- white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves."

13 To Direct Someone’s Attention Valentina, here is the information about commas that you asked for yesterday! --------------- Sources: CommasCommas, grammarbook.com Commas with DatesCommas with Dates, englishplus.com How to Use Commas in English WritingHow to Use Commas in English Writing, English Lessons with Alex (YouTube) Punctuation – CommasPunctuation – Commas, Owl at Purdue

14 Let’s Take a Quiz …


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