USES OF THE COMMA (BH 382-406)
(These page numbers correspond to The Bedford Handbook, Sixth edition by Diana Hacker)
[Note: the edition on reserve is the fifth edition, but you can find corresponding page numbers in section 32 (426-453)]
DO |
DON’T |
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1) Introductory clause or phrase. BH 383-384 -When Irwin was ready to eat, his cat jumped onto the table. |
1) Phrases that begin inverted sentences. BH 401 -At the bottom of the lake, lies a ship. |
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2) All items in a series. BH 385-86 -The activities include a search for lost treasure, much discussion of ancient heresies and midnight orgies. |
2) Before
the first and after the last item in a series. BH 402
-Ironically, this job that appears so, glamorous, care-free, and easy, carries a high degree of responsibility. |
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3) Before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses. BH 382-83 -Nearly everyone has heard of love at first sight, but I fell in love at first dance. |
3) Compound elements that are not independent clauses. BH 401 -The director led the cast members to their positions, and gave an inspiring last-minute pep talk. |
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4) Between coordinate adjectives. BH 386-87 [and] (scramble) -Roberto is a warm, gentle, affectionate father. |
4) Between cumulative adjectives. BH 387 & 402 (unable to scramble) -Ira ordered a rich chocolate layer cake. |
| 5) With non-restrictive elements. [which] BH 388-90 (doesn’t change meaning) | 5) With restrictive elements. [that] BH 403 (changes meaning) |
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{Q:
Is the meaning restricted? NO = comma, YES = no comma}
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| -Ed’s house, which is located on thirteen acres, was completely furnished with bats in the rafters and mice in the kitchen. | One corner of the attic was filled with newspapers that dated from the turn of the century. |
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6) Transitional and parenthetical expressions, absolute phrases, elements expressing contrast. BH 393-95 -The prospective babysitter looked very promising; she was busy, however, throughout the month of January. (TRANS.) -Evolution, as far as we know, doesn’t work this way. (PAR.) -Her tennis game at last perfected, Krista won the cup. (ABS.) -Celia, unlike Robert, had no loathing of dance contests. (CON.) |
6) Restrictive or mildly parenthetical elements. BH 403 -Drivers who think they own the road make cycling a dangerous sport. (REST.) -Margaret Mead’s book Coming of Age in Samoa stirred up considerable controversy when it was published. (MILD PAR.) |
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7) Direct Quotations. BH 396 -Who said, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”? |
7) Indirect Quotations. BH 406 -The president once said that he liked cats. |
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8) Direct Address and with yes and no, interrogative tags, and mild interj. BH 395 -Forgive us, Dr. Spock, for reprimanding Jason. -Yes, I can go to the prom with you. -The film was faithful to the book, wasn’t it? -Well, cases like these are difficult to decide. |
8) After such as, like, although, and coord. conj. BH 405 -Animals, such as, monkeys, need contact comfort. -Pat dances to different music, like, country and punk. -Although, he sat on my dog, I still like him. -Sometimes I eat apples, but, today I will eat oranges. |
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9) Dates, addresses, titles, and numbers*. BH 396-97 *spell out numbers less than 101--ex: ninety not 90. -Her formal title is Dr. Betty Harp, Ph.D. |
9) Before than and parentheses. BH 405-06 -Visiting Boris was better, than visiting Natasha. -He loves ice cream, (chocolate not vanilla) with cake. |
| 10) To Prevent Confusion | 10) Randomly |
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The
only attribute the site had going for it, it seemed, was its supreme
defensiveness.
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