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Commas and Dashes

and Hyphens

Commas

There are ONLY 4 basic types of comma

rules

It seems like many more, but they all boil

down to the same basic four rules

Coordinating Conjunctions Misconception

Every time you use a conjunction, you use a comma

Examples:

RIGHT: I am tired, but I cannot nap.

WRONG: I am tired, but cannot nap.

RIGHT: I am tired but cannot nap.

Rule 2. Dependent Clauses Are Not Complete Sentences

Quick review of definitions in real life:

-Dependent = needs help

-Independent = doesn’t need help

(think about parents/children relationships; typically a child is dependent on parents who are independent)

Quick review of definitions in grammar life:

-Dependent clause = an incomplete sentence that needs help to make sense

-Independent clause = a complete sentence that provides the help to make the dependent clause make sense

• Dependent clauses are always incompletes sentences, which means they can be a word or a phrase
• Geographically, they typically occur at the beginning or end of a sentence

Rule 3. List/Series

• Adjectives: use commas to separate two or more adjectives only if you

can insert the word “and” between them in your head.

Ex. He picked up the crabby, crying baby.

Ex. He saw a nice, helpful woman.

• Lists: use commas to separate three or more items in other series. The

comma before the third item is ALWAYS necessary. It is NOT optional.

Ex. She likes to ski, snowboard, and kayak.

Ex. There were students going to class, teachers walking to their

offices, and toddlers being wheeled to daycare.

Oxford Comma

• The oxford comma is the comma that goes before

“and” or “or” in a list/series

• Many people debate about whether or not it is

necessary

• IT IS NECESSARY
• The following memes will illustrate its importance

USE THE OXFORD COMMA!

Comma Misconceptions

• The following slides illustrate super common

comma mistakes!

• Take the time to know the difference between

right and wrong comma usage

• Remember that there are only FOUR uses for a

comma!

Comma Misconceptions

Comma Splice

Do not use a comma between two groups of words which could stand alone as

full sentences (independent clauses). This is a comma splice! You can use a

period, semicolon, or add a conjunction instead.

- (wrong) We could go fishing on Saturday, you could borrow a pole from my

neighbor.

• (right) We could go fishing on Saturday; you could borrow a pole from my

neighbor.

• (right) We could go fishing on Saturday, and you could borrow a pole from my

neighbor.

• (right) We could go fishing on Saturday. You could borrow a pole from my

neighbor

Comma Misconceptions

Misplacing a comma with transitional words

Do not use a comma before therefore, however, or moreover

as a way of joining two groups of words which could stand

alone as full sentences (independent clauses). Instead, put a

semicolon before the “however” and a comma after it.

• (wrong) The steak was perfect, however the potatoes were

cold.

• (right) The steak was perfect; however, the potatoes were

cold.

Other Comma Rules

Direct Address

Names/Direct Address of Nouns

• I like your shoes, Nick.
• Nick, I like your shoes.
• Happy birthday, Julian!
• Julian, happy birthday!
• I love you, ice cream.
  • Ice cream, I love you.
  • Clean your room, honey.
  • Sweetie, you need to clean your room.
  • Finish your food, please.
  • Don’t be so mean, Joe!
  • LET’S GO, HOKIES!