Grammar Trouble Spots:
Comma Basics
Use to separate words and word groups in a series of three or more items.
Example: I like coffee, tea, and water.
Use to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable.
Example: Please be careful moving the heavy, bulky boxes.
Use when two independent clauses are joined by conjunctions (for, and, nor, but,
or, yet).
Example: Warm weather is nice, but I dislike all of the bugs!
Use when starting a sentence with a dependent clause.
Example: After she finishes her general studies degree at MVCC, Dana will transfer
to another school for two more years.
Use with however, therefore, moreover, and furthermore.
Example 1: Therefore, students should meet with their advisors every semester.
Example 2: Scheduling classes can be complicated; therefore, students should meet with their advisors.
While these rules are the most commonly used, there are additional rules for comma usage. If you need more information about commas, please visit: Comma Tips or Comma Help.
What are common splices?
Comma splices include two independent clauses joined together with a comma and no conjunction. Independent clauses are basically complete sentences, so adding a comma without a conjunction creates a run-on sentence.
Example: Using proper grammar is an essential academic skill, run-on sentences are a common grammatical error.
Fix comma splices
Add a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Example: Using proper grammar is an essential academic skill, but run-on sentences
are a common grammatical error.
Change the comma to a semicolon.
Example: Using proper grammar is an essential academic skill; run-on sentences are
a common grammatical error.
Put a period where there is currently a comma, making two sentences.
Example: Using proper grammar is an essential academic skill. Run-on sentences are
a common grammatical error.
It is important for writing to flow and make sense, so the option a writer chooses
to fix a comma splice will vary. If you would like more information on comma splices,
visit Fixing Comma Splices from the University of Toronto.
Semicolons
Semicolons add variety to your sentences, and with a few tips, you can learn to use them. They are stronger than a comma, yet they are not quite as powerful as a period.
Rule 1: Use a semicolon to join related independent clauses; do not use a conjunction between the clauses.
Example: The semester is almost over; I have three research papers and two final exams next week.
Rule 2: Use semicolons in a serial list when it has internal punctuation or is lengthy:
Example: I have visited various local cities: Utica, New York; Syracuse, New York; Rochester, New York; Rome, New York; Buffalo, New York.
Rule 3: Use Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs (moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently)
Example: I enjoy going to college; however, life in the dorms has been a challenge.
Example: Some city streets need to be widened; moreover, the substantial pot holes must be fixed.
If you would like more information on semicolons, visit the University of Wisconsin - Madison's page on semicolons.
Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences involve joining two independent clauses without proper punctuation. These are also called fused sentences.
Example: I am a psychology major I enjoy learning about how the mind works.
Fixing run-on sentences
- Add a conjunction and a comma (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Example: I am a psychology major, and I enjoy learning about how the mind works.
- Add because
Example: I am a psychology major because I enjoy learning about how the mind works.
- Add a semicolon
Example: I am a psychology major; I enjoy learning about how the mind works.
- Put a period between the independent clauses, and capitalize the start of each sentence.
Example: I am a psychology major. I enjoy learning about how the mind works.
Note: Another common type of run-on sentence is the comma splice. Example: I am a psychology major, I enjoy learning about how the mind works. A
comma is not the proper punctuation for the sentence. You can learn more about comma-splices
by reading our comma splice document. If you would like more information on run-ons,
visit the University of Minnesota's quick tips.
Capitalization
Rule 1: Capitalize the start of a new sentence
Example: Always proofread your paper for capitalization errors. Do not rely on the software to find all of your mistakes.
Rule 2: Capitalize proper nouns and names but not pronouns
Example: Have you met Jocelyn? If not, go and talk to her!
Rule 3: Capitalize days, months, and holidays; do not capitalize seasons.
Examples: Monday, June, and Christmas vs. spring, fall, winter, and summer.
Rule 4: In MLA, capitalize most words in a title.
Example: Learning the Basics of Capitalization
Rule 5: Capitalize acronyms.
Example: MVCC, FBI, CNN
Rule 6: Capitalize I (note that Google Docs will not alert you of the lowercase i).
Example: My instructor keeps deducting points because Google Docs does not correct my first person pronoun. My friends tell me I should use Microsoft Word to avoid this problem.
Capitalization can become a bit confusing. For example, you must capitalize Grandma Susie, Professor Shaw, God and Mayor Smith, but you do not capitalize the following: my grandmother, my professor, a god, or the mayor. Also, you must capitalize New York City but not the city of New York. For more information, visit More Capitalization Rules.