The Wily Comma

The Wily Comma (31:00)

This program inquires into the correct handling of the much-abused and frequently misused comma. Section one deals with the separation of items in a list. Section two shows how to set off introductory elements such as interjections, prepositional and participial phrases, and independent, dependent, and subordinate clauses. Section three demonstrates the use of interrupters, including nouns of direct address, appositive phrases, and non-restrictive clauses. Section four explains how to employ commas to provide emphasis and enhance clarity. (31 minutes)

Commas in Lists (03:11)
Commas separate items in a list, such as "arts, crafts, and you." Commas often stand in for the word "and."

Category and Position (02:24)
Adjectives in the same category that precede their noun are separated by commas. Adjectives that all belong to different categories are not separated by commas.

Introductory Clauses and Phrases (02:34)
Introductory words take the form of interjections, prepositional phrases, participial phrases, and subordinate clauses. These are usually separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

Prepositional and Participial Phrases (03:38)
A prepositional phrase that begins a sentence may or may not need a comma after it. Whenever a participial phrase is used to begin a sentence, a comma separates it from the rest of the sentence.

Introductory Clause (03:39)
An independent clause stands alone as a complete sentence does. A dependent clause has a subject and predicate, but cannot stand alone. A comma never follows a subject no matter how long it is.

Interrupters (03:33)
Interrupting expressions enhance a sentence's meaning and are separated by commas from the rest of the sentence. Nouns of direct address and appositive phrases also function as interrupters.

Nonrestrictive Clause (04:32)
Unlike restrictive clauses, nonrestrictive clauses require commas to set them apart from the rest of the sentence. The restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Using Commas for Style (04:50)
Commas precede the coordinating conjunction in most cases in compound sentences. When adverbs begin a sentence, comma placement is optional. Commas can slow a sentence down.