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Commas
(Dr. Brian Campbell)
“Let’s eat, Grandma!”“Let’s eat Grandma!”
Commas Save Lives
Students:
In order to write professionally, you must learn to properly use commas. Please carefully review the following information.
Comma Errors:Commas are used to set off clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clause. For example, "Overall, a comma is a great tool to help provide clarity in writing." Commas are also used to set off clauses, phrases, or words in the middle of a sentence that are not essential to its meaning. For example, "Dr. Campbell, who is new to the faculty, is a real stickler when it comes to proper grammar and punctuation." There are other rules for the proper use of commas. See:Commas
Sentences often begin with introductory words or phrases. Certain introductory words always require a comma:
Therefore, However, Accordingly, Hence, Overall
Opening Words or Phrases that Require Commas:
Openings: To begin with, Initially, At the onset, For a time, In the beginning, At the outset, To start with, There have been several different approaches,
Following On:Subsequently, Later on, It follows that, Along the same lines, Along somewhat different lines, Next, Also, A little while later, Immediately after, Over the following years, In subsequent years, Subsequent research,
Quantitative:For the most part, Overall, In general,
Similarity:Similarly, In a similar fashion, Likewise, Also
Difference:Along somewhat different lines, Taking a different approach, Taking a somewhat different approach,
Contrast: In sharp contrast, In marked contrast; By way of contrast, On the other hand, On the contrary, However,
In General: In general, Generally speaking, Overall, For the most part,
Examples: For example, By way of example,
Specifics:In particular, Specifically,
Illustration:Therefore, Thus, For example, For instance, In particular, Specifically, Namely,
Comparison:In comparison, Comparatively speaking, In other words,
Emphasis:Surprisingly, Above all, Truly, Not surprisingly, Above all else,
Concession: Conceding the point, Acknowledging this position, In agreement,
Summary/Conclusion:In summary, Taking everything into consideration, Looking back over these various approaches, In conclusion,
Using Commas to Set Apart Non-Essential Information
in the Middle of a Sentence:
Example #1: If you use commas to set apart nonessential information,such as this, the sentence should still “make sense” if you remove the information between the commas.
Note: If we remove “such as this” from the above sentence, it still makes sense.
Example #2:Christian counselors who utilize prayer,either silent or audible, should make sure they have the client’s permission.
Use a Comma Between Elements (including beforeandandor) in a
Series of Three or More Items (APA Manual, p. 88)
Correct:
…the therapist utilized prayer, scriptures,and meditation
…a therapist should never use insults, jesting, or put-downs in counseling.
Incorrect:
…the therapist utilized prayer, scriptures and meditation
…a therapist should never use insults, jesting or put-downs in counseling.