Section 1

The Comma

(Part II)

OST164

Text Editing Applications

The Comma - ¶126 (a) When a compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, or nor), place a separating comma before the conjunction.

Do use a comma because both are independent clauses: Mrs. Genster noticed a small discrepancy in the figures, and on that basis she decided to reanalyze the data.Do not use a comma because both are not independent clauses: Mrs. Genster noticed a small discrepancy in the figures and on that basis decided to reanalyze the data.

Do use a comma because both are independent clauses: Either we step up our promotion efforts, or we must be content with our share of the market.Do not use a comma because both are not independent clauses: Either we step up our promotion efforts be content with our share of the market.

The Comma - ¶126 (b)

For special effect, the comma before the coordinating conjunction can be replaced by a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point.

Is it self-confidence that makes you successful, or is it success that makes you self-confident?

Is it self-confidence that makes you successful? Or is it success that makes you self-confident?

The Comma - ¶126 (c)

When a compound sentence consists of three of more independent clauses, punctuate this series like any other series.

Bob can deal with the caterer, Nora can handle publicity, and I can take care of the rest.

Jacob can’t dance, Janie can’t sing, and John can’t whistle.

The Comma - ¶127 (a)Do not confuse a compound sentence with a simple sentence containing a compound predicate. A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses, and each clause contains a subject and a predicate.

Barbara just got her master’s, and she is now looking for a job in sales

Barbara just got her master’s and is now looking for a job in sales.

Sammie is going out to eat, and he is also going to the ballgame.

Sammie is going out to eat and also to the ballgame.

The Comma - ¶128

Do not use a comma between two independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Incorrect:Please review these spreadsheets quickly, I need them back tomorrow.

Correct:Please review these spreadsheets quickly. I need them back tomorrow.

The Comma - ¶129If either clause of a compound sentence is short, the comma may be omitted before the conjunction. Go ahead and put the comma!

Their prices are low, and their service is efficient.

I would help you, but I don’t have the time.

Please initial these forms, and return them by Monday.

Watch for confusion: Please don’t litter, and recycle whenever possible.Please don’t litter and recycle whenever possible. Without the comma, the second sentence sounds like you don’t want them to recycle.

The Comma – ¶130 Introductory Dependent Clauses:When a dependent clause precedes the independent clause, separate the clauses with a comma.

Before we can make a decision, we must have all he facts.

When you read the Weissberg study, look at Appendix 2 firsts.

If they have invested more carefully, they could have avoided bankruptcy.

The Comma – ¶131 a and bWhen a dependent clause follows the main clause or falls within the main clause, commas are used or omitted depending on whether the dependent clause is essential or nonessential.Essential:

The person who used to be Englund’s operations manager is now doing the same job for Jenniman Brothers.

Nonessential: George Pedersen, who used to be Englund’s operations manager, is now doing the same job for Jenniman Brothers.

The Comma – ¶131 a and b (cont’d)

EssentialThe Pennington bid arrived after we had made our decision.

NonessentialThe Pennington bid arrived on Tuesday, after we had made our decision.

EssentialDamato’s suggestion that we submit the issue to arbitration may be the only sensible alternative.

NonessentialDamato’s latest suggestion, that we submit the issue to arbitration, may be the only sensible alternative.

¶ 132 Essential versus Nonessential

Essential: His faxed response came after you left last evening.

Nonessential: His faxed response came this morning, after the decision had been made.

Essential: The results of the mailing are as you predicted they would be.

Nonessential: The results of the mailing are disappointing, as you predicted they would be.

¶132 Essential versus Nonessential

Essential: We will fill your order as soon as we receive new stock.

Nonessential: We will fill your order next week, as soon as we receive new stock.

Essential: This package is for the friend whom I am visiting.

Nonessential: This package is for my cousin Amy, whom I am visiting.

The Comma – ¶135Introductory Phrases - Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase.

Seizing the opportunity, I presented an overview of our medium-range plans.

Established in 1905, our company takes great pride in its reputation for high-quality products.

Having checked the statements myself, I feel confident that they are accurate.

The Comma – ¶135 (cont’d)

Watch out for phrases that look like introductory participial phrases but actually serve as the subject of the sentence or part of the predicate.

Looking for examples of good acknowledgement letters in our files has taken me longer than I had hoped.

Following Mrs. Fahnstock’s speech was a presentation by Ms. Paley.

The Comma – ¶138Use commas to set off transitional expressions. These nonessential words are phrases are called transitional because they help the reader mentally relate the preceding thought to the idea now being introduced.

Additionally In my opinion Hopefully

To be honest Unfortunately Indeed

As you know In any case Likewise

To sum up Generally At any rate

In the long run In the first place meanwhile

(Examples of these are on the next slide.)

The Comma – ¶138• Additionally, I am giving you a 5 percent bonus.• To be honest, Joe had rather dance with me.• As you know, the time has come to go.• To sum up, I think our business is failing.• In the long run, education always pays off.• In my opinion, Buttons is a really smart dog.• Unfortunately, the rain caused us to cancel today.• In any case, we will continue to run the race.• Generally, my parents go to bed early.• In the first place, you should not have told him.

The Comma – ¶143With the adverb too (in the sense of “also” occurs at the end of a clause or a sentence, the comma preceding is omitted.

– If you feel that way too, why don’t we just drop all further negotiations?

– They are a bigger share of the market too.

Otherwise, too is simply set off with two commas:

– You, too, could be in the Caribbean right now.– Then, too, there are the additional taxes to be

considered.

The Comma – ¶145

Names and titles used in direct address must be set off by commas.

No, sir, that is privileged information.

I count on your support, Bob.

We agree, Mrs. Connolly, that your order was badly handled.

The Comma - ¶160Use two commas to set off the name of a state, a country, or the equivalent when it directly follows the name of a city or a county.

Four years ago, I transferred from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Bern, Switzerland.

Could Pickaway County, Ohio, become a haven for retired editors?

Our Pierre, South Dakota, office is the one nearest to you.

The Comma - ¶161

When expressing complete addresses, follow this style:

During the month of September, you can send all documents directly to me at 402 Woodbury Road, Pasadena, CA 91104, or you can ask my assistant to forward them.

In displayed blocks:

402 Woodbury Road

Pasadena, CA 91104

The Comma - ¶163For a series in an organization’s name, always follow the style preferred by that organization. Do not use a comma before an & unless you know the organization prefers to do so.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

Aspinwall, Bromley, Carruthers & Dalgleish

Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc.

If you do not have the company letterhead, follow the standard rules.