COMMA:
Commas are used to separate thoughts within a sentence allowing the reader to mentally pause and assimilate the full meaning of the sentence. The misuse of commas can alter the entire meaning of sentences. The comma is used: a) To set apart words in apposition. Appositives are words that identify or define other words.
Example: Mr. Smith, our manager, will be there.
* Do not separate compound personal pronouns from the words they emphasize.
Example: Jane herself will take on that project. b) To set apart titles written after a person’s name.
Example: John Smith, Ph.D. is the professor taking over that area. * A comma may or may not be used before and after Jr. and Sr. following a name.
Examples: - John Smith, Jr., will be the successor to his father’s corporation.
- John Smith Jr. will be the successor to his father’s corporation.
* Omit periods and commas before and after II, III, and IV with names. c) When setting apart the year from the month and the day in a sentence.
Example: We’ve had to reschedule the fundraising event, which will now be held on June 15, 2006. d) To separate successive nouns and adjectives in a sentence.
Examples: - Please don’t forget to bring pens, pencils, paper, and envelopes.
- We’re going to need balls, helmets, markers, etc., for the tournament. * A comma is used before the final ‘and’ in a list of three or more items. e) To introduce spoken words.
Example: Mr. Smith said, “Do not charge service fees on the Dawson account.”
f) After the salutation and complimentary close of a personal or informal business letter.
Example: Dear John, Best regards,
g) To coordinate adjectives as qualifying words preceding a noun.
Example: We want it to be a clear, simplified, informative presentation.
* Don’t use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun if the adjectives are too closely related to be separated:
Examples: - It’s an attractive quaint little motel along the shore.
- The reasonable additional cost for this perk is acceptable.
h) To separate the name of a person that is addressed from the rest of the sentence.
Example: We welcome you, Jane, as the newest addition to our team.
i) To set off a contrasted word, phrase or clause.
Example: A better way to get cooperation from your team members is by asking, not telling. j) To set off a transitional word or expression when a pause is needed for clearness or emphasis.
Examples: - Therefore, this matter must be dealt with as quickly as possible.
- Indeed, it was a success.
- As was intended, the focus turned to costs. * Do not use a comma when such words, phrases and clauses do not interrupt the thought or required punctuation for clearness.
Examples: - The board therefore voted unanimously in favor of the acquisition.
- It is indeed surprising that that they lost the contract.
- That decision in this case was expected. k) To follow words such as yes, no, well when one of these words is at the beginning of a sentence.
Examples: - Yes, we expect him to arrive this week.
- Well, this is the case so we must implement plans to offset the losses.
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