Comma Usages
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The document discusses the different uses of commas in English writing, including using commas in lists, after introductory phrases or words, between adjectives describing the same noun, when introducing a name and relationship, around parenthetical information, and separating independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Examples are provided for each usage along with exercises for the reader to practice identifying proper comma usage.
Comma Usages
- 1. Commas English Composition I September 2012 Dr. Whitney Vandiver
- 2. Function “When you talk, your voice, with its pauses, stresses, rises, and falls, shows how you intend your words to fit together. When you write, punctuation marks are the road signs (stop, go, yield, slow, detour) that guide the reader, and you wouldn’t be understood without them.” -- Patricia T. O’Conner, Woe is I Examples: Cora claimed Frank planned the murder. Cora, claimed Frank, planned the murder. Augie quite saying he was looking for another job. Augie quit, saying he was looking for another job. The Battle of the Sexes: Woman without her man is nothing. Woman: without her, man is nothing.
- 3. Usage #1: In a List A list consists of three or more items and involves a conjunction, usually “and” or “or”. A comma goes between each item in the list AND before the conjunction for the final item: Examples: Nell is baking cookies, pies, and cakes for the dinner. None of us can locate our binders, textbooks, pens, or notes. The last comma is called the “serial comma” and some resources will say that it is optional.
- 4. Usage #2: An Introductory Phrase Use a comma after an introductory phrase if you intend to pause before moving on: As usual, she is running late to work. Leaving it unresolved, the student gave up on the problem. Moving forward in her career, Edith took the job offer without hesitation. Without hesitation, Edith took the job offer to move forward with her career.
- 5. Usage #3: Introductory Words Use a comma after an introductory word, such as well, yes, or indeed. Examples Yes, I will be attending the meeting. Well, he was late today, so he was unable to register. Indeed, the conference was a success.
- 6. Usage #4: Separating adjectives Use a comma when separating adjectives that describe the same object. Examples: She adopted a small, orange kitten. He lost his new, blue backpack.
- 7. Usage #5: Providing someone’s name Use a comma when introducing someone and their relationship Examples My friend, John, is visiting this week. Mary, the new teacher, brought snacks today. Barbara, the librarian, is hosting workshops this week.
- 8. Usage #6: Parenthetical Information “Parenthetical information” consists of information that: may be omitted without impacting grammaticality adds additional information about the sentence that is not necessary “could just as well go in parentheses” (O’Conner) How to know when information is parenthetical... Remove it from the sentence—if the sentence is still grammatical, it is unnecessary information. Put it in parentheses—if it does not sound awkward, it is likely parenthetical information.
- 9. Usage #6: Parenthetical Information Examples: My supervisor, the one with the mustache, called in sick today. College, much like elementary school, is really just about coloring and discovering your own personality. Jerry, with a broomstick and a catcher’s mitt, finally defeated the giant bumble bee. The boy with the skateboard is my nephew.—not parenthetical Rule: Surround the parenthetical information with commas.
- 10. Usage #7: Separating Independent Clauses When combining two independent clauses, use a coordinating conjunction with a comma Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) For And It rains quite a bit in Seattle, but it rains more in London. Nor But He brought her a box of chocolates, and he surprised her Or with a stuffed bear. Yet So
- 11. Exercises 1. Despite being on time John couldn’t find a seat. 2. She is a doctor like her father who specializes in airborne diseases. 3. The car needed new brake pads brake fluid and an oil change. 4. No one wanted to go to the movies so we went to dinner instead. 5. He couldn’t have delivered the package if he was out of town. 6. Eliot my best friend is in Germany this semester.
- 12. Exercises: Answers 1. Despite being on time, John couldn’t find a seat. 2. She is a doctor, like her father, who specializes in airborne diseases. 3. The car needed new brake pads, brake fluid, and an oil change. 4. No one wanted to go to the movies, so we went to dinner instead. 5. He couldn’t have delivered the package if he was out of town. 6. Eliot, my best friend, is in Germany this semester.
- 13. Resources Strunk, Jr., William and White, E.B. (2000) The Elements of Style 4th edition. New York: Longman Publishers.