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Commas, Commas, Commas

WRTG 3020, 077�Fall 2023��Adapted from “Commas, commas, and more commas.” UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center�

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Introduction

“Commas help your reader to figure out which words go together in a sentence and which parts of your sentences are most important”

�-Writing Center, UNC Chapel Hill

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Introductory Words, Phrases, or Clauses�

Add commas where needed

  1. Specifically he did not want to jeopardize the data by revealing the study’s purpose.�
  2. Dancing around the topic the Senator took no position and equivocated until she ran out of time.�
  3. If each branch of government is functioning according to its intended purpose there should be a robust system of checks and balances.

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FANBOYS—Coordinating Conjunctions

Add commas where needed�

  1. The Ming Dynasty was known for its trade relationships with the West and fine porcelain.�
  2. The Ming Dynasty followed the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty in 1368, but its own downfall would take place in 1644.�
  3. The archaeologists were ecstatic to explore the new site and they found jewelry that upends current theories about trading partners.

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Comma Splices

Add commas where needed.�

  1. He wrote in complete sentences, his professors suggested that he review the rules of punctuation.�
  2. The scientist had discovered a new element and wanted to celebrate, her colleagues were envious and didn’t invite her to the department happy hour.

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FANBOYS Fakers (Conjunctive Adverbs)

Add commas where needed�

  1. The discovery was heralded as a breakthrough however it would prove to be incorrect and the article was retracted.

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  • The professor however was undettered in her research on this topic.

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X, Y, and Z (Serial Commas and the “Oxford Comma”)�

Add commas where needed�

  1. Some define the American Dream as the equal opportunity for life liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all people.�
  2. The new casino is presenting entertainment by Elvis impersonators Nick Cage and John Travolta.

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  • The royalties are owed to Peter Paul and Mary.

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Describers

Add commas where needed�

  1. His later articles were pretentious overly-long Jeremiads about international relations. �
  2. The overwhelmed tired Dean raced across the verdant empty quad.

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Interrupters (Non-Restrictive Clauses)�

Add commas where needed

  1. Dr. Bruges back from a sabbatical in Rome was eager to work with students again.�
  2. The book which is over 500 pages long needs to be reviewed by tomorrow!�
  3. Emilia could only see the design failure not the potential for improvement when she looked at the results.

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Direct References to People

Add commas where needed�

  1. Let’s eat grampa.�
  2. Jennifer work on the project.�
  3. What I said Matt and Cindy was to stop TikToking in class!�
  4. My friend John is a good writer.