Comma Rules Roundup A Student-Ready Review Packet FREEBIE by Joy Sexton Cover frame by TeachesThirdinGeorgiahttp://teachesthirdin georgia.blogspot.com/ ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved Name____________________________________ 1. Use a comma to separate INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION from the rest of the sentence. The following words are often used to introduce an idea: If When Since Although As soon as Because Unless Until After Whenever Before While Example: After I finished all my math homework, I decided to call a friend. 1. When she got to school she went directly to her locker. 2. If I could meet the author of this book I would tell her she did a great job. 3. While my uncle worked in the garage we all helped wash the cars in the driveway. 2. Use a comma to set apart the exact words of a QUOTATION from the rest of the sentence. Example: "Call me when you get home," said her mother. Jane whispered, "Can you hear that tapping noise?" A. Coach Miller said "Be ready to leave in five minutes." B. "I have to baby-sit on Saturday night " explained Jessie. C. "If anyone calls for me, I'm not here " John insisted. 3. Use a comma to separate TWO OR MORE ADJECTIVES before a noun. (Do not use a comma after the last adjective. A comma is not used for colors or numbers.) Example: I don't like hot, humid weather. I saw two black bears at the zoo. (no commas) A. We found a small injured bird in the grass. B. I'm tired of the overcooked high-fat food in the cafeteria. C. The players must wear long loose-fitting orange jerseys. 4. Use a comma to separate items in a DATE. Do not use a comma between the month and the day of the month. Use a comma after the date if the sentence continues. Example: On Saturday, June 29, I'll have two graduation parties to attend. A. Do you know if Tuesday February 19 is President's Day? B. On Saturday May 4 2007 Jupiter, Mars, and Venus could be seen after dark. 5. Use a comma to separate ITEMS IN A SERIES (after every item except the last). Example: We visited Epcot Center, Sea World, and Busch Gardens on our vacation. A. We need to buy more soap shampoo hand lotion and toothpaste. B. Samantha Joe Jessica and Carlos bought tickets to the baseball game. C. Let’s stop at the store pick up a video and go home. ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved 6. Use a comma to separate TRANSITIONS from the sentence (such as first, next, finally, also, later in the story, in addition, etc.). Example: Therefore, I believe young people should not smoke. A. All in all hamsters are playful animals that make great pets for children. B. Later in the afternoon we played soccer in the backyard. C. Finally I’ll be old enough to get my driver’s permit. 7. Use a comma after YES, NO, or WELL, if it begins the sentence. Example: No, I have never been to Disney World. A. Yes I agree with your answer. B. Well would anyone like to go see a movie? C. No I don’t plan to rent a movie tonight. 8. Use a comma to set apart a NAME BEING SPOKEN TO. Example: Tom, what time is your dad picking us up? A. Mr. President the reporters are ready for the press conference. B. Do you know the answer to the question Karen? C. Call me Jason if you hear any news. 9. EXPLAINERS – Use commas to set apart a noun or phrase that explains or identifies something. (also called an appositive phrase.) Example: Adam Smith, a seventh-grade student, won the essay contest. A. Albany the capital of New York is a three-hour drive from New York City. B. Venus Williams a famous tennis champion often competes with her sister. C. Her father a computer programmer chose Dell computers for his business. 10. Use commas to set apart INTERRUPTERS, words or expressions that break the flow of thought in a sentence. Example: The winners, of course, must be present. A. This pizza in my opinion is the best I've ever had. B. Many students if you ask me did a good job on their research projects. C. Chess as we all know is a game where skill is needed. ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved Name____________________________________ Directions: Create a sentence of your own and use commas correctly to demonstrate each of the comma rules you’ve learned. 1. Commas for Introductory Information Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 2. Commas to set apart Quotations Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 3. Commas for Two or More Adjectives Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 4. Commas for Dates Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 5. Commas for Items in a Series Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved 6. Commas for Transitions Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 7. Commas for Yes, No, or Well Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 8. Commas for a Name Being Spoken To Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 9. Commas for an Explainer (or Appositive) Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 10. Commas for Interrupters Sentence: ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved Name______________________________________________ Directions: Cut out sentences from newspapers or magazines where you recognize commas are used for one of the reasons listed below. Glue or tape the sentences in the correct box. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION TRANSITIONS QUOTATIONS YES, NO, or WELL TWO OR MORE ADJECTIVES NAME BEING SPOKEN TO DATES EXPLAINER (APPOSITIVE) ITEMS IN A SERIES INTERRUPTERS ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved Thank you for downloading my free product, Comma Rules Roundup. I hope you will get some good review out of the materials or present a commas mini-unit! Please rate my product! I appreciate feedback! I hope you will check out some of the classroom-tested, teacherapproved products in my store! Materials by Joy Sexton Copyright© 2013 All rights reserved by author. Duplication limited to single classroom use only. Internet display is strictly prohibited. ©Copyright2013 Joy Sexton All Rights Reserved
