Download Comma Rules Part 1

Bakersfield College
Jessica Wojtysiak
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What factors contribute to job happiness?
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Think of someone you know who hates their job. You may
write about yourself. Write about why you think this person
hates their job.
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Think of someone you know who loves their job. You may
write about yourself. Write about why this person loves their
job.
 Specific rules guide the use
of commas
 Avoid the Shatner comma
 https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=_cOlJdObNlc
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Independent clause (A Complete SV sentence)
 Has subject and a verb
 Is a complete thought and can stand alone
 Ex: Innovative students display intrinsic motivation within
the classroom.
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Dependent clause
 Is not a complete sentence
 Offers additional semantic content
 Example: While I waited for the bus
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
We laughed
According to a study at the University of Toronto
If the human body
Please speak softly
Which is the yellow brick road
I’m not going into that cave
Seen Carson lately?
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Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (fanboys) to link
2 independent clauses
 Formula: IC, one of the fanboys IC
 Example: The steering was stiff, yet the car rode smoothly.
 Example: Gender norms are a traditional part of Western
society, but they need to be challenged.
Note: This rule does not apply to dependent clauses
connected by the fanboys.
Ex: Dogs and cats living together would cause mass
hysteria.
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Use a comma to set off introductory elements (phrases,
dependent clauses, transitional words, idiomatic expressions,
direct addresses)
 Formula: Introductory Clause, IC
 Ex: First of all, heteronormativity reinforces prejudice against
homosexuals.
 Ex: Still, he began to grow angry and rebellious.

Set off non-essential or non-restrictive elements, tagons,
interrupters with a comma
 Formula: Beginning of IC, interrupter, remainder of the IC
 Ex: Audre Lorde, a linguistics professor, focuses reader
attention upon gendered communication.
 Ex: Sonia Nazario, a graduate of Williams College, wrote
Enrique’s Journey.

Use a Comma to Separate items in a List
Formula: item 1, item 2, item 3, …
 Wrong: I like cooking my family and my dog.
 Right: I like cooking, my family, and my dog.

The Oxford Comma is a serial comma placed before the
coordinating conjunction in a series of three or more items.

Check out the debate that drives grammar nerds wild:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptM7FzyjtRk

 Separate coordinate adjectives with a comma
(adjectives that separately and equally modify a
noun)
 Example: A boring, mandatory class would have
been unacceptable.

Not all paired adjectives are coordinate adjectives
 Example: I put dark brown sugar in my oatmeal. –
Test: Replace the comma with “and” to see if it is
grammatical. Then, change the order of the adjectives to see
if the sentence still makes sense.


The cowardly Red Coat retreated at the first sign of resistance.
Does this sentence need a comma?

Correct: Nadia bought a long red coat.
Does this sentence need a comma?

What is the difference between these two sentences?


Use a Comma to introduce direct quotations
 Example: My friends often say, “You are such a nerd.”

Use a comma with Dates
 Example: I was born on November 4, 1976.

Use a comma with numbers
 Example: 1,000

Use a comma with location
 Example: I was born in Dekalb, Illinois.


Because you think a pause should occur in a sentence
Because you think it looks good

When in doubt, if you can’t think of a rule that requires the use
of a comma, don’t use it

Avoid the Shatner comma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfFH4KkHXQ
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1. I don’t usually offer unsolicited advice but this seems like a special case.
2. While I enjoyed reading your essay I do have some suggestions.
3. The brilliant witty professor discussed Shakespeare’s sonnets.
4. Check for spelling accuracy and punctuation before turning in your essay.
5. If I can repay the debt let me know.
6. Jessica a graduate of Cornell University is our instructor.
7. I don’t like it when you’re angry with me especially when it wasn’t my fault.
8. The former secret agent changed his identity.
?

Complete Plato Modules 2 (Due Tonight) & 3 (Get an Early Start!)

Read Enrique’s Journey Chapter 4 for Monday

Complete GGB pages 117-119 (Chapter Reviews One and Two).
Quiz on Monday!