Commas 6.2 Flashcards
Nonrestrictive clauses and commas
Commas are used when a clause is nonrestrictive (I.e., not essential to the overall meaning of a sentence)
Ex/
The man, who was wearing a fez, cackled.
Restrictive clauses and commas
Give information the defines the noun-information that is necessary for complete identification of the noun.
Use that or which for non-human nouns.
Use that or who for human nouns.
Do not use commas.
Such as and commas
When used restrictively, such as clarifies what a sentence is about, so no commas are used.
Ex/
Novelist such as J. K. Rowling and Philip Pullman introduced fantasy literature to a new generation.
When used nonrestrictively, such as introduces an example without changing the meaning of a sentence. It should, then, be set apart with commas.
Ex/
Some fantasy novelist, such as Rowling and Pullman, are popular with with both children and adults.
Parenthetical clauses and commas
Used to indicate nonessential information. This includes nonrestrictive clauses, but also covers other additional information
Ex/ nonrestrictive
John McEnroe, three-time Wimbledon champion, hates badminton.
The information between the commas could alternatively be put in parentheses.
Ex/ additional
Steffi Graf loves badminton, though, so not all Wimbledon champions are against it.
The comma before though could be omitted. It is a matter of stylistic preference.
Introductory words and phrases commas
It is common to use a comma after introductory words or phrases that frame a sentence.
Commas are always required when a sentence begins with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, meanwhile, accordingly, furthermore, etc.)
Ex/
I love tennis. However, I hate badminton.
While waiting for a phone call, I watched badminton.
Conjunctive adverbs
Are a useful way of linking sentences and clauses in writing. (However, finally, likewise, as a result, in contrast, therefore, etc.)
Conjunctive adverbs and commas
•Commas are always required when sentence begins with a connective adverb.
Ex/
I really like the band’s music. However, I don’t like heir lyrics.
•Commas are always used before a connective adverb at the end of a sentence.
Ex/
I really like the band’s music. I don’t like their lyrics, however.
•When linking full clauses together use a semicolon before it and a comma after.
Ex/
I really like the band’s music; however, I don’t like their lyrics.
*When conjunctive adverbs used mid-sentence varies.
•When there to show how two sentences are related, it is usually set apart with commas.
Ex/
I really like the band’s music. I don’t, however, like their lyrics.
•But if it’s essential to the meaning of the sentence, the commas can be omitted. It’s common with thus and therefore.
Ex/ running a business is expensive. All managers thus need to budget carefully.
Commas and information at the end of a sentence (nonessential)
Commas can be used at the end of a sentence to offer more (nonessential) information:
- nonrestrictive clauses (e.g., Meet my friend, who is good at juggling.)
- examples (e.g., My friend is good at many things, including juggling.)
- afterthoughts (e.g., I think juggling is a waste of time, to be honest.)
- contrast or contrary details (e.g., My favorite hobby is painting, not juggling.)
Subordinate conjunctions
Show the relationship between the two clauses (subordinate clause and independent clause) and indicate that one is subordinate or less important than the other.
Ex/
I can come over unless traffic is heavy.
We went for a walk even though it was freezing.
He needs to go home since it’s so late.
Helping to create complex sentences by joint clauses of unequal importance.
How to use Subordinating conjunctions
Always before a subordinate clause. Either at the beginning or the middle of a sentence. If it starts a sentence, a comma should be before the independent/main clause.
Ex/
I can come over unless traffic is heavy.
Unless traffic is heavy, I can come over.
Independent/main clause
It works as a sentence by itself.
It can be made with just a noun and a verb.
Ex/
Dogs bark.
Cats meow.
Subordinate/dependent clause
Adds extra information to a sentence.
It cannot, however, work as a sentence by itself.
Ex/
My dog barks… …when it sees a cat.
^independent. ^subordinate
Seven types of Subordinating Conjunctions
- Time
Used to indicate time relationships between independent and dependent clauses.
After, before, since, while and when
Ex/
When you arrive, we’ll talk. - Cause and Effect
Used to show a cause and effect relationship between independent and subordinate clauses.
Because, since, as, so, so that,
provided that
Ex/
I need to study harder since I got a poor grade on my last exam. - Condition
Used to express conditions under which something may or may not happen.
If, unless, provided that
Ex/
I can see you later if I finish my work early. - Contrast
Used to show contrast or opposition between independent and subordinate clauses.
Although, though, even though, while, whereas
Ex/
She is quite tall for a woman whereas her husband is a bit short. - Reason and Purpose
Used to express reason or purpose.
So that, so as, in order that
Ex/
I asked my classmate to move so that I could see the teacher better. - Place
Used to show or tell you where the action of sentence takes place.
Where, wherever
Ex/
Let’s meet at the same place where we had dinner last time. - Concession
Used to introduce a clause that contradicts the independent clause.
Although, though, even if
Ex/
Although John had a difficult day at work, he still came home smiling.
Coordinating Conjunction
Used to connect words, phrases or clauses in a sentence.
FANBOYS
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Coordinating conjunction and commas
Commas should only be used before a coordinating conjunction when the conjunction is used to join two independent clauses together.
FANBOYS
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
FANBOYS comma
*some people will add a coordinating conjunction to ensure clarity even if it does not join two independent clauses. Like joining phrases that contain coordinating conjunctions.
Ex/
Im going to eat fish and chips, and then drink a large glass of gin and tonic to wash it down.
