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

2. 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.
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3. 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.
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4. How to Remember Coordinating Conjunctions
To remember the seven coordinating conjunctions, think of the phrase “fan boys”:
for
and
nor
but or
yet so
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5. 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 , surfing the Web, and using chat rooms.
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6. 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.
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7. 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!
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8. 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.
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9. 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

10. 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.
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11. 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.
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12. Now
you
can
Overcome
the
Comma!
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13. 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!
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