Supplementary material for Session 1 (Business Communication II – Written) MBA and MBA-HR (2021-23)

Comma
[Refer to slide 10 of Session 1]

Use of commas is particularly important. The main rules of using commas include:
Use a comma to separate words or phrases in a list
“Would you like a gold, grey, white or black trim on your new car?”
Use a comma to separate adjectives qualifying the same noun
“Please send us a large, self-addressed envelope.”
Use a comma to separate two clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction
(but, or, yet, so, for and or not)
“The expansion of our business is a long-term project, and we need an efficient
management consultant to help us.”
“John has the necessary qualification, but David has more experience.”
Use commas to create parentheses, where something is inserted that either
expands on the main sentence or qualifies part of it.
“Sarath Singh, my secretary, will contact you soon to make an appointment.”
“James, our Vice President has left the company.” [Note the problem]
Use a comma to separate phrases and clauses to make your message easier to
read.
“We have five different models, each with its own special features.”
Using commas is largely a matter of taste and style. However, commas should not be
overused.
“Unfortunately, if we invest in new machinery, and the market falls again, as it
has been predicted, we may, possibly, find ourselves with too much production
capacity, and this may, therefore, result in even more serious problems.”
“We must give serious consideration to the issue of investing in new machinery.
If the market falls again, as has been predicted, we could find ourselves with
increased production capacity. This may then result in even more difficulties.”
Comma splice
A comma splice is when a comma is used between two main clauses where really a
comma is not enough.
“It was great to see you last week, thanks for your hospitality.” [Wrong]

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Supplementary material for Session 1 (Business Communication II – Written) MBA and MBA-HR (2021-23)

“It was great to see you last week. Thanks for your hospitality.” [Correct]
“It was great to see you last week, and thanks for your hospitality.” [Correct]
“We have removed clause 9, this is because of current market conditions.” [Wrong]
“We have removed clause 9, because of current market conditions.” [Correct]
“We have removed clause 9. This is because of current market conditions.” [Correct]

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Supplementary material for Session 1 (Business Communication II – Written) MBA and MBA-HR (2021-23)

Apostrophes
[Refer to slides 11 and 12 of Session 1]

Contractions
An apostrophe is used to indicate the missing letters (or sounds):
I’m (I am)
He’s (He is)
You’re (You are)
Don’t (Do not)
Note the difference between it’s and its
“It’s very amusing when you see a little puppy chasing its tail.”
“The group made its decision.”
Possession
The applicant’s letter The applicants’ letter
The girl’s bicycle The girls’ bicycle

Children’s toys
People’s pharmacy
Men’s coats
Word of caution:
We don’t need an apostrophe in the plural form of numbers and dates:
The 1920s
We don’t need an apostrophe in possessive pronouns:
His Hers Its Ours Yours
When names end with the letter ‘s’, either use is acceptable.
James’s wife James’ wife
My boss’s office My boss’ office

We don’t need apostrophes when making plurals from capital letters:

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Supplementary material for Session 1 (Business Communication II – Written) MBA and MBA-HR (2021-23)

“Vinita learned her ABCs today.”