This document provides guidance on proper comma usage in sentences. It discusses using commas with coordinating conjunctions to join two independent clauses, with lists of three or more items, and to set off nonrestrictive elements. It also addresses using commas with introductory elements and transitional words or phrases. The document aims to help the reader learn when to correctly use commas in different parts of a sentence.

1.  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.

2. Quiz Answers
 Link To Quiz:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1X8olw0bfjEAoddyTBPSEqrqw9L8IQMpO4rcL35XsxXQ/

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

4. 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-

5. Time Out!
 Pause.
 Take a breath!
 Questions?!

6.  Write a sentence using three or more coordinate
elements.

7. 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?

8.  Write a sentence using commas and nonrestrictive
elements.

9. 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.

10. 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)

11. Time Out!
 Pause.
 Take a breath!
 Questions?!

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

13. 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?)

14.  Write a sentence using a transitional word or
phrase.

15. 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.

16.  Pause.
 Take a breath!
 Questions?!

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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).