GSP Punctuation

USING COMMAS
Commas are important because they make your writing easier to understand. The way it
works, is that commas give readers a short break, so that they can fully understand the
meaning of the phrase that they have just read. This is especially important if the meaning of
the next phrase / clause (section of a sentence containing a verb) is a bit different to the
previous clause.
Commas are needed....
A. Between two clauses of a sentence (often in front of linking words, e.g.,
however, and...)
B. To separate items in a list
C. Where you could use brackets to show that this is a piece of extra
background information
(non defining relative clauses)
D. After the introductory clause at the start of a sentence that sets the scene,
e.g. In addition, ... During the data collection phase, ...
Activity 1: Match examples 1 6 below with functions A to D above:
1. The data was then recorded, anonymised, and coded.
2. The data transformation process should continue throughout the study, and should not be
seen as distinct from data analysis.
3. The sample size, which consisted of 11 student nurses, was relatively small.
4. Whilst the study was qualitative, there were quantitative elements within it.
5. The study was made more rigorous by the fact that the interviews were conducted by one
researcher, and the data analysis was undertaken by another independent researcher.
6. In conclusion, the research made a valuable contribution to this field of study, despite there
being some limitations.

1
Academic Skills Advice service
www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills/

Activity 2: Punctuate the following sentence:

One disadvantage associated with conducting face to face interviews is that they are time
consuming. However telephone interviews may not always be suitable as participants may
not feel comfortable disclosing personal information over the phone and it is difficult for
researchers to build rapport (Polgar and Thomas 2000).
Answers are over the page.

2
Academic Skills Advice service
www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills/

Answers:
Activity 1: 1 B, 2 A, 3 C, 4 D, 5 A, 6 D then A.
Activity 2: One disadvantage associated with conducting face to face interviews, is that
they are time consuming. However, telephone interviews may not always be suitable, as
participants may not feel comfortable disclosing personal information over the phone, and
it is difficult for researchers to build rapport (Polgar and Thomas 2000)

Marion Bowman
2011

3
Academic Skills Advice service
www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills/