Punctuation Rules NOTES Using Commas to Separate Basic Elements Commas With Compound Sentences A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by one of the coordinating co

							Punctuation Rules- NOTES
Using Commas to Separate Basic Elements


Commas With Compound Sentences A compound sentence consists of two or more
independent clauses joined by one of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or,
nor, or, so and yet).

KEY CONCEPT: Use a comma before the conjunction to separate two independent
clauses in a compound sentence.

COMPOUND SENTENCES: Marco Polo was fascinated with China, and he took
                             home many souvenirs.

                             He told Italian friends about China, but they did not
                             believe his stories.

Remember to use a comma before a conjunction only when there are complete
thoughts on both sides of the conjunction. Do not use a comma when there is just a
word, phrase, or subordinate clause on either side of the conjunction.

WORDS: Polo visited cities and farming areas.

PHRASES: The Chinese established systems for delivering mail and for carrying
             goods.

SUBORDINATE CLAUSES: Kublai Khan was a man who ruled strictly but who could
                             also be kind.

In some compound sentences, the independent clauses are very brief, and the
meaning is clear. When this occurs, the comma before the conjunction may be
omitted.

EXAMPLE: Jonathan listened carefully but he heard nothing.




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Punctuation Rules- NOTES
Using Commas to Separate Basic Elements
Using Commas to Set Off Added Elements

Commas After Introductory Material Sometimes, a sentence begins with
introductory material. Generally, the extra word or words are set off from the
rest of the sentence by a comma.

KEY CONCEPT: Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.

                    KINDS OF INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL

Introductory Words              Well, I need a minute to decide.

                                Tom, where are you?

                                Please, put some clams in the chowder.

Introductory Phrases            In the vibrant city of Hong Kong, trade is
                                booming.

                                Located on the coast of China, Hong Kong is an
                                important port.

                                To visit Hong Kong, you need a passport.

Introductory Clauses               If the British had not relented, they might still
                                rule Hong Kong.

                                   Where there is bustling trade, there you will find
                                a colorful night life as well.



When a prepositional phrase of only two words begins a sentence, a comma is not
absolutely necessary.

EXAMPLES: At night we heard the crickets.
            For hours we nervously remained awake.




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Punctuation Rules- NOTES
Using Commas to Separate Basic Elements
Commas With Parenthetical Expressions A parenthetical expression is a word or
phrase that is not essential to the rest of the sentence. These words or phrases
generally add extra information to the basic sentence.

Parenthetical expressions are sometimes written at the beginning of the sentence
as introductory material. They may also be written in the middle or at the end of a
sentence. A parenthetical expression in the middle of a sentence needs a comma
before it and a comma after it to set it off. If it is written at the end of the
sentence, only one comma is needed.

                  KINDS OF PARENTHETICAL EXPRESSIONS

Names of People Being Addressed       Watch, Frank, while I show you another early
                                      Chinese invention.

                                      Stop whispering, Pamela and Dan.

Certain Adverbs                       You are, therefore, the person I would
                                      choose.

                                      Your answer is incorrect, however.

Common Expressions                    One Chinese invention, on the other hand,
                                      helped sailors all over the world.

                                      They are not given enough credit, I believe.




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Punctuation Rules- NOTES
Using Commas to Separate Basic Elements
Commas With Nonessential Expressions Sometimes, it is difficult to decide when
to set off material with commas. Knowing whether a word, phrase or clause is
essential or nonessential to the meaning of a sentence helps.

KEY CONCEPT: Use commas to set off nonessential expressions. Do not set off
essential material with commas.

Notice that each nonessential expression in the chart below can be left out
without changing the meaning of the sentence.

                      APPOSITIVES AND APPOSITIVE PHRASES

Essential                            The Chinese thinker Confucius taught the importance of
                                              tradition.

Nonessential                          Confucius, a Chinese thinker, taught the importance of
                                              tradition.

                                      The importance of tradition was taught by Confucius, a
                                              Chinese thinker.

                                  PARTICIPAL PHRASES

Essential                             The man leading a European expedition to China was
                                               Marco Polo.

Nonessential                           Marco Polo, leading a European expedition to China,
                                               arrived there in 1275.

                                       Marco Polo arrived in 1275, leading a European
                                               expedition.

                                  ADJECTIVE CLAUSES

Essential                              The invaders who swept into China in the 1200’s ruled
                                                with an iron hand.

Nonessential                           The Mongols, who swept into China in the 1200’s, ruled
                                                with an iron hand.

                                        The country was ruled by the Mongols, who swept into
                                                China in the 1200’s.




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