Comma Rules
1. Separate dependent elements in a series of three or more.
2. Separate coordinated independent elements or sentences put in the same way and place together in a sentence.
FANBOYS
For-because, cause and effect
And-in addition to
Nor-neither
But-contrast
Or-choice, definition
Yet-even though, contrast
So-therefore, cause and effect
Still-contrast
3. Set off the name of someone being addressed; introductory words and phrases. “Prof. Mitchell, who is an instructor at the University of Phoenix, teaches writing.”
4. Separate a quotation from a signal phrase.
5. Separate introductory words or phrases.
6. Set off parenthetical remarks.
7. Separate contradictory elements.
Three parts of a sentence:
1. Subject
2. Verb
3. Object
Dependent clause or fragment: Going off to war.
Independent clause-complete sentence.
Dependent clause- incomplete sentence.
Commas: Separate independent and dependent clauses. It separate two dependent clauses, but only with a FANBOY.
Semicolon: Separate two independent clauses.
Examples:
I like you, but I have boyfriend.
I like you; however, I have a boyfriend.
Answers to practice sheet:
1. Contrary to what most people think, milk is not good for kittens.
2. Mr. Ramsay asked if we could finish the report as soon as possible.
3. Serious problems may be prevented if we plan now for possible future energy shortages by learning how to conserve, by seeking new sources of energy, and by stockpiling fossil fuels like coal and oil.
4. Just to remind you, Nelly, an appositive is a word or phrase that renames or re-states another word or phrase, like when you say, “George Washington, our first president, was elected unanimously by the Electoral College.”
5. I had no idea Wolverine was anything but a pleasant, normal man with a funny...