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Comma/Semicolon Workshop – Introduction
1.
Punctuation
a.
b.
2.
3.
4.
What does it do? Fifteen punctuation marks
Commas and semicolons seem to be the most confusing: serve many purposes
i.
How many of you have heard someone, even a teacher, say “Put a comma where
ever you pause?”
ii.
This is NOT a good strategy...there are rules to follow.
Commas we know...
a.
Dates within a sentence–commas after everything (pg.)
i.
I applied for the job on Wednesday, January, 22, 2003, but turned it down on
January 25.
b.
Addresses or Cities within a sentence–commas after everything (pg.)
i.
I wrote a letter to Jim Smith, 106 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40207.
ii.
Nashville, Tennessee, is known for country music.
c.
Two or more adjectives before a noun
i.
The wonderful, helpful Writing Center is in Peck Hall 325.
d.
Within a Series (three or more)–comma before the “and”
i.
Always in APA
ii.
Sometimes in MLA (ask professor)
iii.
Most important to be consistent
iv.
Sometimes needed for clarity (no danger of misreading)
(1)
I listen to country, rock and bluegrass.
(2)
In music class we learned about beat, rhythm and blues.
What is a sentence?
a.
Subject PLUS Verb PLUS a complete idea
b.
Short sentences vs. Long sentences–Why use long sentences? Sentence Variety
TUTORIAL
a.
Go over number 1.
b.
Go over number 2.
i.
“Conjunction Junction”–coordinating
ii.
Reiterate–only 7 FANBOYS
iii.
WHEN THERE IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE ON BOTH SIDES, ALWAYS COVER
YOUR “BUT”
iv.
Comma splice equals COMMACIDE, run-ons caused here too!
c.
Go over number 3.
i.
Independent/Dependent; Main/Subordinate
ii.
College reference; are you dependent or independent?
d.
Go over number 4.
i.
Anytime your sentence starts with something other than the subject–it will probably need
a comma before the subj. (or adjective modifying)
ii.
NOTICE “Because” falls in this category
e.
Go over number 5.
i.
NO COMMA BEFORE “BECAUSE”
f.
Go over number 6–Explain WHY!
i.
Semicolon, three purposes
(1)
Number 6–may be cheating reader by not telling how ideas are related
(2)
To separate lists that already include commas
(a)
The attorney was accused of felonies which included concealing
evidence; persuading employees to lie about the necessary, profitdriven refusal to fix the defect; and shredding important,
irreplaceable documents.
Comma/Semicolon Workshop – Introduction
(3)
Number 7
Go over number 7.
i.
THINTICS (complete list on page )
ii.
ONLY when there are two complete sentences...look at exception to rule
iii.
Equal signs [.T = , FANBOY = ;THINTIC, = ;]
Commas for Clarity, Commas for contrast
a.
Not only, but also – I not only want a new computer, but also a digital camera.
b.
Someone predicted that by the year 2004, 3.5 million employees would be on the federal
payroll.
c.
Still, water is polluted.
d.
Appositives, do they matter? see Harbrace pg. [Essential or non-essential]
i.
My friend, Joe, works at Dell.
ii.
My friend Joe works at Dell.
TELL STUDENTS TO KEEP 21 BY THEIR COMPUTERS!! EXERCISES!
g.
5.
6.