October 19, 2009
Writing
Tip of the Week
Correct Use of the
Comma—Part 1
Commas are frequently used, and frequently missed,
punctuation marks. They were invented to
help readers comprehend information.
There are many ways to use a comma.
Listed below are some of the most critical uses for commas.
Ø
Use
a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two main/independent clauses.
There are
seven coordinating conjunctions: “and,” “but,” “or,” “for,” “nor,” “so,” “yet.”
[The prosecutor spoke about the
defendant’s motive], and [the jury listened carefully].
Independent
Clause Conjunction Independent Clause
Ø
Use
a comma to set off long introductory clauses or phrases from the
main/independent clauses.
If
an introductory clause precedes a main/independent clause, the comma will be
needed to set off the place where the introductory material ends. Long introductory clauses that must be
set off with a comma are easy to spot.
They will have a subject and a verb because they are clauses, and will
begin with a subordinating conjunction such as “after,” “although,” “as,” “because,”
“before,” “if,” “unless,” “until,” “when,” or “where.”
[As the Court of Appeals noted], [delivery would
require actual possession by the accused].
Introductory
Clause
Independent
Clause
Long introductory phrases
are often made up of several prepositional phrases or of a combination of
prepositional, infinitive, and participial phrases.
[On
the evening] [of March 4, 2003], James Black was
robbed at gunpoint while walking to his car.
Two Introductory Prepositional Phrases
[At the hearing] [on Johnson’s motion]
[to dismiss], the parties
stipulated to the admission of an incident
Two Introductory Prepositional Phrases Infinitive Phrase
report prepared by Johnson’s probation officer.
An introductory phrase or clause of four or more
words is usually considered “long,” and is, therefore, set off with a
comma. Even short prepositional phrases,
however, are often set off with commas, especially for emphasis.
[In 2001], the Smiths built the first addition
to their house.
Short Prepositional Phrase
Adapted from: The
Legal Writing Handbook—Oates, Enquist, & Kunsch
Effective Legal Writing--Block
Prepared by Jennifer Lussier