Commas and Semicolons

1. Commas and Semicolons How to . . . Pause

2. What is a comma? • A comma is a visual pause for the reader. • A comma can be used for many reasons.

3. When do you use a comma? • To separate items in a series • Words in a series • I went to the store to get milk, eggs, and soda. • Phrases in a series • I need to take my medicine before work, during lunch, and after work. • Clauses in a series • In our band, Jeff sings, Mike plays the guitar, and Chris plays the drums. • To separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun • He is tall, dark, and handsome. • Before conjunctions (FANBOYS) when they join independent clauses • For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So • I ate breakfast before school, but I was still hungry before 2nd block.

4. When do you use a comma? (cont’d) • Use commas to set off clauses which are nonessential • A nonessential clause is a clause that adds information about the subject that is descriptive, but not necessary. • J.D. Salinger, who wrote Catcher in the Rye, is a notorious recluse. • To set off participial phrases • A participial phrase is a phrase where a verb is used as an adjective. • Jay-Z, knowing that “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” was the crowd favorite, waited until the encore to perform the song.

5. When do you use a comma? (cont’d) • Use commas after certain introductory elements • Use after well, yes, no, and why when they begin a sentence. • Yes, my favorite team is the Bulls. • Well, I like math, but English is by far the best. • Use after introductory participial phrases. • Driving home from school, I had an epiphany. • Use after a long opener that begins with any “ABBI SAW A WUWU” • As, before, because, if, since, after, when, although, while, unless, whenever, until • Because you loaned me money for lunch yesterday, I will loan you some for today. • If you are ever lost while driving, pull into a gas station.

6. When do you use a comma? (cont’d) • Use commas to set off words of direct address, such as names and titles. • David, can you lend me a pencil? - Mr. Anderson, can I turn this in tomorrow? NO!!!!!

7. Other Comma Rules • To set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence • “Come in,” the boss said. • Mary said, “I don’t want to.” • Between the day of the month and the year, and, in a sentence, after the year • Steve was born in New York on March 5, 1990, and moved here last year. • In the salutation of a personal letter • Dear Grandma, • Sincerely,

8. What is a Semicolon????? • A semicolon is a punctuation mark that connects independent clauses when they are not connected by a conjunction (FANBOYS). ;

9. When do you use a semicolon? • You use a semicolon when you are connecting two independent clauses without a conjunction. • The students entered the room; class started when the bell rang. • Spring break is a few weeks away; I am going on a trip with my family.

10. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by the following words: Accordingly Hence However Indeed Moreover Thus That is Besides Also Therefore Still When do you use a semicolon? • Otherwise • In fact • For example • Furthermore • Consequently • Similarly • Instead • Nevertheless • For instance

11. Examples of Semicolon Use • The football team won; however, the team is still in second place in the conference. • You have to water the flowers every day; otherwise, they will wilt and die. • Rachel loves to listen to Ludacris; in fact, she has all of his albums.

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