Purdue University North Central Writing Center Handout

Commas Set off Non-Essentials

Use commas before and after non-essential words, phrases, and clauses which are embedded in the sentence and which interrupt it.

            Clue: Can you leave out the non-essential element or put it somewhere else in the sentence?

NON-Essentials

His income for the year, however, was less than his secretary's.

Fred, not realizing what he was doing, insulted his friend.

My uncle, who is eighty years old, walks three miles every day.

Essentials

Apples THAT ARE GREEN are not usually sweet.

The book THAT HE LENT ME was very helpful.

The person WHO IS AT THE DOOR is my friend.

Exercises -Punctuate the following sentences.

1.   Patterson Tower the recently completed office building is a monument of concrete ugliness.

2.   The movie that I wanted to see is no longer playing.

3.   Each person who enters the contest must send in two box tops.

4.   John did not however decide to buy the car.

5.   The Mississippi River which once flowed north into Hudson's Bay flows south into the Gulf of Mexico.

6.   The cat watching the dog intently walked carefully away.

7.   TV commercials often the best part of the program are being monitored more and more for false advertising claims.

8.   The reason that I did not attend the meeting was that I had to study for my chemistry exam.

9.   He did not however intend to return the money he borrowed.

10. West Point cadets who break the honor code are expelled.

11. She was as a matter of fact, chiefly interested in becoming a Hollywood celebrity.

12. Raul's wife Conchita is president of the local Red Cross.

13. The German writer, Hermann Hesse, is a favorite with American college students.

14. The girl who teaches swimming at the neighborhood pool has a great deal of patience.

15. The girl who enjoyed teaching swimming decided to major in physical education at college.

16. The high school course which was most valuable to me was typing.

17. Maria wearing an original dress of her own design was the center of attention.

18. The reason that he left early for college was that he had been asked to help with freshman orientation.

19. Dauphin Island located off the coast of Alabama is a favorite spot for fishermen.

20. He saw his favorite movie “Star Wars” eight times.

21. Two of her friends Kate and Beth are planning to share an apartment with her next summer.

WCdsk\comma4.doc