Jack switched on the computer, picked up his notes, keyed
in his password and started typing.Using phrases
Phrases are groups of words that do not contain a finite verb
and can be used to add detail to a sentence.
Running across the road, she embraced her sister.
Running across the road (participial phrase)He carefully placed the evidence on the table.
on the table (prepositional phrase)Checking punctuation marks
Remembering the full stop
Never use a comma instead of a full stop. Put the latter when
your sentence is completed, checking that you have linked
your clauses appropriately. A full stop can also be used after
abbreviations butnotcontractions.
Using the comma
Use a comma for the following purposes:
◆ To separate items or clauses in a list remembering the
last one must be preceded by ‘and’.
◆ To separate the subordinate clause from the main clause
when you start your sentence with a conjunction.
◆ To separate dialogue from the person who is speaking.
REVISING YOUR WORK / 139