Comma Rules (Part 1)

Summary

This video explains the importance of punctuation, specifically the proper use of commas. The presenter highlights two key rules: using commas to separate items in a list (whether they are words, phrases, or clauses) and using commas to link two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (like 'and,' 'but,' or 'or'). The video includes examples, such as lists of people, adjectives, and actions, as well as compound sentences. It emphasizes the potential impact of a small mistake in punctuation, citing a significant business loss due to a comma error.

Takeaways

• 😀 Commas are crucial for clarity in writing, and a single punctuation mistake can have major consequences, as seen in a 2006 case where a Canadian company lost millions due to a comma error in a contract.
• 😀 Rule 1: Use commas to separate items in a list, whether they are words, phrases, or clauses. For example, 'The guests included the president, the first lady, the vice president, and the Minister of Defense.'
• 😀 When listing adjectives, a comma can sometimes be used between two adjectives instead of connecting them with 'and,' like in 'the beautiful, old house.'
• 😀 In lists of phrases, commas are also necessary. For instance: 'He spent the weekend researching his topic, writing his essay, and proofreading his final draft.'
• 😀 When listing clauses, commas should separate each clause. Example: 'Children use computers to play video games, business people use them to advertise products, students use them to research secondary sources, and teachers use them to teach basic skills.'
• 😀 Rule 2: Use commas to link two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and,' 'but,' 'so,' 'for,' 'or,' 'nor,' or 'yet.' Example: 'Jason had difficulty in his first semester, but he was at the top of his class by the end of the year.'
• 😀 A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, and commas are necessary to separate them.
• 😀 Adhering to these basic punctuation rules can significantly improve the clarity of writing, especially in business or legal contexts.
• 😀 Punctuation mistakes can lead to misunderstandings, and in some cases, serious financial or legal consequences.
• 😀 For a more detailed understanding of compound sentences, additional resources are provided through the link below the video.

Q & A

What is the significance of punctuation in business contracts?

Punctuation is extremely important in business contracts as even a small mistake, like a misplaced comma, can lead to significant financial losses. For example, in 2006, a Canadian company lost $2 million because of a comma mistake in a contract.

What is the first rule for using commas properly?

The first rule is that commas should be used in lists. When you have a list of words, phrases, or clauses, each item in the list should be separated by a comma.

Can you give an example of a list of words with commas?

Yes, an example of a list of words would be: 'The guests included the president, the first lady, the vice president, and the Minister of Defense.'

Are there exceptions when using commas in a list?

Yes, one exception is when using adjectives. Sometimes you use a comma between two adjectives instead of connecting them with 'and.' For example, 'The beautiful old house had a huge living room.'

How do commas work in a list of phrases?

Commas can also be used in lists of phrases. For instance: 'He spent the weekend researching his topic, writing his essay, and proofreading his final draft.'

What about using commas in a list of clauses?

Commas can separate clauses as well. For example: 'Children use computers to play video games, business people use them to advertise products, students use them to research secondary sources, and teachers use them to teach basic skills.'

What is the second rule for using commas correctly?

The second rule is that you should use a comma to link two independent clauses together when using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, for, or, nor, and yet).

Can you provide an example of a sentence with two independent clauses linked by a comma?

Certainly! An example would be: 'Jason had difficulty in his first semester, but he was at the top of his class by the end of the year.'

What is a compound sentence, and how does it relate to commas?

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction. Commas are used to separate these clauses. For example: 'Jason had difficulty in his first semester, but he was at the top of his class by the end of the year.'

Where can I find more information about compound sentences and commas?

You can check out a video about compound sentences that provides more detailed information on how commas are used in such sentences, as referenced in the transcript.