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Improving Editing Skills: Commas: Essential Question

This document provides information on three common comma errors and how to fix them. It defines key terms like independent clause, dependent clause, and nonrestrictive word group. It then lists three comma rules: 1) use a comma when joining two independent clauses with a conjunction, 2) use a comma after introductory material, and 3) use commas to set off transitional words, phrases, or nonrestrictive word groups. An exercise is included where the reader adds missing commas and crosses out unneeded commas in a paragraph containing comma errors.

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Ariana Baray
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76 views2 pages

Improving Editing Skills: Commas: Essential Question

This document provides information on three common comma errors and how to fix them. It defines key terms like independent clause, dependent clause, and nonrestrictive word group. It then lists three comma rules: 1) use a comma when joining two independent clauses with a conjunction, 2) use a comma after introductory material, and 3) use commas to set off transitional words, phrases, or nonrestrictive word groups. An exercise is included where the reader adds missing commas and crosses out unneeded commas in a paragraph containing comma errors.

Uploaded by

Ariana Baray
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Improving Editing Skills: Commas

Directed Learning Activity —Punctuation & Mechanics 02

Essential Question
What are three common comma errors and how do I fix them?

Purpose
Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to find and fix three common comma errors.

This DLA should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Terms to Know
An independent clause contains a subject + a verb + a complete thought. In other words, it is a complete
sentence.

A dependent clause contains a subject + a verb but not a complete thought. In other words, it is not a
complete sentence. If you put a period directly after one, it will result in a fragment. Dependent clauses
often begin with words like although, even though, because, while, and so on.

A nonrestrictive word group tells more about or modifies a word or phrase, but it is not needed because
taking it out will not change the meaning of the word or phrase. Therefore, you use commas.

Rules & Examples


• RULE #1: When you join two independent clauses with a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet,
so), you need to use a comma. However, you do not use a comma if you join only two words or
phrases.
o Example:
▪ The Writing and Reading Center is a wonderful place to seek help from
instructors, and it is also a good place to find other resources like tutors and
workshops.
• RULE #2: Use a comma after introductory material. The material can be in the form of a
dependent clause, phrase, or word (that needs to be set off to prevent confusion).
o Examples:
▪ Although at first I was reluctant to go to tutoring, I am glad I made myself go
because it has helped me improve my grades.
▪ After waiting in line for twenty minutes, the student realized she had forgotten
to bring the DLA she wanted help with.
▪ Above, the sky looked dark and threatening.
• RULE #3: Use a comma (or two) to set off transitional words, phrases, or nonrestrictive word
groups. Note that transitional words and phrases you use commas with can be moved to
different locations in the sentence.
o Examples:
▪ For instance, I now use the Darling’s Guide to Writing on a regular basis when I
am in the WRC.
▪ Stella could not believe, for example, that Eduardo’s affections for her were
fake.
▪ Doctor Khan, who had a big smile on her face, said the operation was a success.

Exercise
Using the information you just read about three common comma rules, do the activity below. There are
five missing and five unneeded commas in the paragraph below.

Add commas where needed, and cross out commas that are unneeded.

Each sentence contains one comma error.

While college is challenging in a number of ways students can excel if they keep in mind three
important tips. First students should be curious. While all students, have specific areas of
interest, it is important for students to want to know information that does not seem to directly
involve their degree area in order to help them stay engaged in non-degree courses. Another,
important tip for students to follow is to be willing to change. Many students struggle, or drop
out of college due to an unwillingness to become the person they need to be in order to be
successful in the college environment. Students should look forward to evolving as people and
college provides a wonderful environment to do that in. Most importantly students should start
viewing themselves as a brand.

Companies like Coca-Cola, and Apple will go to great lengths to make sure that nothing negative
is associated with their product. Likewise, it is vital for students to understand that how they
behave, and with whom they associate can affect their image and future outcomes. Fortunately,
being successful in college is not impossible but students do need to understand how to go
about it.

Review your answers with an instructor or tutor in the Virtual Writing & Reading Center. Be sure you can
answer the essential question above.

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