the comma ,

1
the comma ,

• So often used, so little understood.
• In general, using SHORT and SIMPLE subject /
  action / object sentences will eliminate the
  need for most all commas.
• However, sometimes they are necessary or they can
  make statements more clear.
• When you do use commas, use them correctly and
  for a good reason.

2
Have you heard this advice?

• When you are writing, just insert a comma
  wherever you would take a breath.

3
in the following examples . . .

• Sentence elements are color coded
• subject / action / object
• Jack defeated the terrorists.

4
Job 1separates two INDEPENDENT clauses (aka --
complete thoughts)

• Jack defeated the terrorists and he then ate a
  big lunch.
• FIX IT
• Jack defeated the terrorists and he then ate a
  big lunch.

5
reviewrecognizing an independent clause

• Does the statement have a subject, an action, and
  an object?
• Does it make sense in this test sentence
• I just cant believe that __________________.

6
Job 2separates a DEPENDENT clause from the
main clause

• Although Jack was hungry he defeated the
  terrorists.
• is I cant believe that although Jack was
  hungry a sentence?
• FIX IT
• Although Jack was hungry he defeated the
  terrorists.

7
Job 3separates PARANTHETICAL CLARIFICATIONS
from the main thought

• Jack Bauer who is a super-secret agent defeated
  the terrorists in a single day.
• FIX IT
• Jack Bauer who is a super-secret agent defeated
  the terrorists in a single day.

8
another term for PARANTHETICAL CLARIFICATION is
nonrestrictive phrase

• Remember the semicolons slideshow?
• Nonrestrictive phrases are ALWAYS isolated from
  the sentence with commas.
• FIX IT
• Jack Bauer who really likes the color violet
  because it reminds him of the word violent
  defeated the terrorists in a single day.

9
Job 4separates TRANSITIONAL ELEMENTS
INTERJECTIONS from the main thought

• Jack Bauer however has a sensitive side.
• Holy cow Jack Bauer has a sensitive side.
• FIX IT
• Jack Bauer however has a sensitive side.
• Holy cow Jack Bauer has a sensitive side.

10
Job 5separates INTRODUCTORY WORDS PHRASES
from the main thought

• To make the world safe Jack defeated the
  terrorists.
• However Jack is not inhuman.
• As Jack sat to eat he contemplated about the
  difficulties of his job.
• FIX IT
• To make the world safe Jack defeated the
  terrorists.
• However Jack is not inhuman.
• As Jack sat to eat he contemplated the
  difficulties of his job.

11
Job 6separates ITEMS IN A LISTof three or more
things

• Jack Bauer is responsible for maintenance
  observation interdiction and research and
  development.
• FIX IT
• Jack Bauer is responsible for maintenance
  observation interdiction and research and
  development.

12
if the last item is preceded by an and . . .

• Still separate it with a comma !
• This prevents mis-reading (note the previous
  example).

13
Job 7separates TOWNS / STATESand YEARS

• Jack Bauer was born in Johnstown Pennsylvania on
  July 4 1963 during a thunderstorm.
• FIX IT
• Jack Bauer was born in Johnstown Pennsylvania on
  July 4 1963 during a thunderstorm.

14
just as importantwhen do you NOT use a comma?

• If you arrange your sentences carefully, you
  will not need to use commas and therefore will
  not make comma mistakes.
• You will not need to use commas and therefore
  will not make comma mistakes if you arrange your
  sentences carefully.

15
error 1separating INDEPENDENT CLAUSES without a
coordinating conjunction

• Jack defeated the terrorists, he then ate five
  pounds of rhubarb pie.
• FIX IT
• Jack defeated the terrorists , he then ate five
  pounds of rhubarb pie.

16
what the heck is a coordinating conjunction?

• Its one of those bitty words that the
  conjunction junction, whats your function song
  is all about
• and, or, nor, but, so, for, yet

17
error 2separating the SUBJECT from the VERB in
a statement

• Another possibility, is to use Jack Bauer for
  the pie-eating mission.
• FIX IT
• Another possibility , is to use Jack Bauer for
  the pie-eating mission.

18
error 3separating RESTRICTIVE MODIFIERS from
the rest of a statement

• Employees who might be moles, are the targets of
  this rhubarb mission.
• Employees, who might be moles, will eat a huge
  amount of rhubarb pie.
• FIX IT
• Employees who might be moles , are the targets
  of this rhubarb mission.
• Employees , who might be moles , will eat a huge
  amount of rhubarb pie.

19
another term for RESTRICTIVE MODIFIER is
restrictive phrase

• Remember the semicolons slideshow?
• Restrictive phrases are NEVER isolated from the
  sentence with commas.
• FIX IT
• A secret agent , who hates paperwork , would not
  be happy at a desk job.

20
summary COMMAS are useful BUT . . .

• They can get you in trouble.
• Why use em if you dont have to?
• Simple subject / action / object sentences
  eliminate the need for most all commas.