Cooperative Online Writing Lab Overcoming the Comma Bluefield College COWL, 2005

What is a Comma ? , * A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. * Commas help to clarify meaning to a reader. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Where do you use a comma? Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, nor, for, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. The television program was dull, but the commercials were entertaining. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

How to Remember Coordinating Conjunctions To remember the seven coordinating conjunctions, think of the phrase “fan boys”: for and nor but or yet so Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Other Uses for Commas Use a comma to set off introductory elements. Anxious about the upcoming winter, settlers began to bicker among themselves about supplies. Use a comma to set off the elements of a series (three or more things), including the last two. My favorite uses of the Internet are sending e-mail, surfing the Web, and using chat rooms. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Even More Uses for Commas Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. Coaches grew weary of running practices in the drafty, dreary, run-down gym. Use a comma to set off elements that express a contrast or a turn in a sentence. The house was cute, but too expensive for the newlyweds. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Common Error: Comma Splice 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. The Internet has revolutionized the business world, online sales have increased dramatically this year. WRONG! Bluefield College COWL, 2005

To Correct A Comma Splice Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses. 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). *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. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Unnecessary Commas Don’t separate a subject from its verb: The eighteen-year-old in most states, is now considered an adult. Don’t put a comma between two verbs: We laid out our music and snacks, and began to study. Don’t put a comma in front of every and or but. We decided that we should not lend her the money, and that we should explain our decision. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

It’s Your Turn! Correct the following sentences This semester I am taking calculus physics and economics. This semester I am taking calculus, physics, and economics. Calculus is my best subject, and I am certain I will get an A. Calculus is my best subject, I am certain I will get an A. Although I am very busy, I still find time to have fun. Although I am very busy I still find time to have fun. Activity: This slide invites participants to again test their comma skills. The first example requires commas between each element within the list. The second example contains a comma splice. The sentence may be corrected by the addition of a conjunction after the comma, turning the comma splice into a compound sentence. This example may also be corrected by separating the two clauses into two separate sentences, or by changing the comma to a semi-colon. The third example requires a comma after the introductory clause. The facilitator may wish to note that “although” is a dependent clause marker. The fourth example, a compound sentence, requires a comma before the conjunction. Commas are also needed after each element in the list. Click mouse to reveal comma placement for each example. Last weekend my brother visited me, and we went to a football game, a party, and a rock concert. Last weekend my brother visited me and we went to a football game a party and a rock concert. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

More Practice: Would you place commas in these sentences? The place that I would most like to see is the Eiffel Tower. No comma is needed. The sentence is correct. Pierre who is one of my business contacts will meet me at the airport. Pierre, who is one of my business contacts, will meet me at the airport. Activity: These examples allow participants an opportunity to test their comma skills. The first example needs a comma after “Paris” to set off the nonessential phrase. The second example requires no comma. The phrase “that I would most like to see” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. The sentence will not make sense without this essential phrase. The third example requires two commas, both before and after the nonessential phrase “who is one of my business contacts.” The main message of this sentence—that Pierre will meet this person at the airport—is clear without knowing the additional information about his identity. Click to reveal the comma placement for each example. 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. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Now you can Overcome the Comma! Bluefield College COWL, 2005

Need More Assistance? We Mooove fast to help you! Stop by the Writing Center Come back to COWL again and again! or We Mooove fast to help you! Bluefield College COWL, 2005