OST164
Text Editing Applications
Section 1
The Comma
(Part II)
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 - ¶129
If 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 b
When 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)
Essential
The Pennington bid arrived after we had made our
decision.
Nonessential
The Pennington bid arrived on Tuesday, after we had
made our decision.
Essential
Damato’s suggestion that we submit the issue to
arbitration may be the only sensible alternative.
Nonessential
Damato’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 – ¶135
Introductory 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 – ¶138
Use 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
To be honest
As you know
To sum up
In the long run
In my opinion
Unfortunately
In any case
Generally
In the first place
Hopefully
Indeed
Likewise
At any rate
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 – ¶143
With 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 - ¶160
Use 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 - ¶163
For 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.