commas

Write two sentences. THEN take those sentences and connect them into a larger sentence with a coordinating conjunction.

Write a sentence using three or more coordinate elements.

Write a sentence using commas and nonrestrictive elements.

Write a sentence that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause correctly.

Write a sentence using a transitional word or phrase.

Quiz Answers

Link To Quiz: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1X8olw0bfjEAoddyTBPSEqrqw9L8IQMpO4rcL35XsxXQ/viewform

Write two sentences. THEN take those sentences and connect them into a larger sentence with a coordinating conjunction.

Commas! Commas are a primary divider. Commas are used when linking two independent clauses. A coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, so) links the clauses together after the comma. The house approved the bill, but the senate rejected it. See wiki for complex sentence creation chart and definitions for each coordinating conjunction. CC Podcast http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/weird-coordinating-conjunctions-yet-for-and-so?page=all

Time Out!

Pause. Take a breath! Questions?!

Write a sentence using three or more coordinate elements.

Coordinate Elements!

Use commas when you are dealing with a series of three or more coordinate elements. These are elements that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. You may pay by check, with a credit card, or in cash. If there is already a comma in the sentence, use a semicolon! Remember what Professor Wend said about BCC's plagarism policy back on day one?

Write a sentence using commas and nonrestrictive elements.

Nonrestrictive Elements Use commas to set off nonrestrictive elements, also known as paranthetical expressions, which supply information that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence. Robert Coover, who spoke at the symposium last year, has a new novel out. It is supplemental information! When using nonrestrictive elements, you will also use which instead of that (see pronouns). He ran for the bus, which was late as usual. The house, which is blue, sold quickly. Versus... The house that is blue sold quickly.

Commas & Coordinate Adjectives

In a list ending with "and" use a comma before and to make sure people know it is part of the list. The downtown area includes a bakery, a florist, a small supermarket with an excellent butcher, and a bookstore. Coordinating adjectives need a comma unless they are joined by a conjunction already. She brushed her long, shining, hair. The baby was tired and cranky and wet. (no comma needed)

Time Out!

Pause. Take a breath! Questions?!

Write a sentence that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause correctly.

Introductory Elements!

A dependent clause that offsets the rest of a sentence is normally offset by a comma. When war came to Baghdad, many victims were children. If it is short, again, you may omit the comma. Use your best judgment whether the sentence will still be clear. When I exercise I drink plenty of water.

(I might keep the comma. What do you think?)

Write a sentence using a transitional word or phrase.

Transitional Words!

Transitional words or phrases will be set off by a comma. However, any plan enacted must be fair. During the Depression, movie attendance rose. First, plan your process analysis essay.

Pause. Take a breath! Questions?!

Final Thoughts...

When dealing with quotes, commas go INSIDE the quotes. Jackson's work, "detailed and important,” according to Hayles, is the topic of today's lecture. <--comma goes inside quote Same with dialouge ”Further,” she said, ”I am sick of his crap!” See wiki for more information about dates, titles, places, and addresses.

Look For Clues

Look for an independent clause Do you see two independent clauses? One independent, one dependent

Parentheticals Lists of elements Be consistent in your comma usage

Supplemental Material

Grammar Girl Episode 356 has nice general audience comments about commas.

Episode 371 has a lot about avoiding the comma splice.

Grammar Girl has also discussed serial commas (she agrees with me).