This PowerPoint addresses the standards
presented below in a simple and
straightforward way. It tackles
misconceptions and explicitly explains the
correct way to use commas in a sentence.
Standard: L.5.2
5.L.2 b. Use a comma to separate an introductory element
from the rest of the sentence.
5.L.2 c Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g.,
Yes, thank you),
Use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the
sentence (e.g., It’s true, isn’t it?),
Use a comma to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you,
Steve?).
Using Commas to separate
introductory clauses from the rest
of the sentence
It is important to use commas after certain
introductory clauses.
 Many times a sentence will have an
introductory part with the rest of the
sentence following after. This is called an
introductory clause.

Introductory Element Examples

First we go to the store.
Can you identify the introductory element?
After the word first there should be a
comma to separate the introductory
element from the rest of the sentence.
“First we go to the store” should be
written…
 “First, we go to the store.”

Let’s try another one!
Actually we harvest in June.
The word “actually “is the
introductory clause.
Actually, we harvest in June.
Before I left I locked the door.
The introductory clause in this
sentence is “before I left”
Before I left, I locked the door.
Jogging along her usual path Eloise
was caught by surprise.

Separate the introductory clause from the
rest of the sentence by using a comma.
Jogging along her usual path, Eloise
was caught by surprise.
Lying on the ground Roberto
admired the clouds in the sky.
 Lying on the ground, Roberto
admired the clouds in the sky.
In the following sentences underline
the introductory element. Then, add
commas where necessary.
During the course of this project we will see
many interesting things.
 According to a recent interview that
happened a few years later.
 At the age of twenty-six she became a
neurosurgeon.
 Whenever I go to the bank I stop at my aunt’s
house.

During the course of this project, we
will see many interesting things.
 According to a recent interview, that
happened a few years later.
 At the age of twenty-six, she became
a neurosurgeon.
 Whenever I go to the bank, I stop at
my aunt’s house.

You can also use a comma to set off
the words Yes and No.
Words such as yes, no, indeed, and absolutely
are called interjections. These interjections
are usually included at the start of a sentence.
 Commas are used to offset interjections.

In the sentences below the interjection is underlined.
Notice how the comma follows directly after the
interjection.
Yes, she will apologize.
No, I can’t go to the movie.
Well, the snow has made it very difficult to drive in.
Use a comma to set off the words
Yes and No.

Think of a sentence that either uses the
word Yes or the word No at the
beginning of a sentence. Where does the
comma needs to be located in the
sentence?
Underline the interjection and
include a comma when necessary.
 No
I have to work tonight.
 Yes I can meet with you
tomorrow.
 Yes thank you
 No I’m not busy tonight.
No, I have to work tonight.
Yes, I can meet with you
tomorrow.
Yes, thank you
No, I’m not
busy tonight.
Commas and Tag Questions
You also need to use commas to set off a
tag question from the rest of the
sentence!
 But what is a tag question?
 A tag question is a question that is
added on to the end of a larger
statement.

Example of a tag question





Below is an example of a tag question.
You are a teacher, aren’t you?
Notice where the comma is located.
It comes between the statement and
the question.
In the example above the statement is “You
are a teacher” and the tag question is “aren’t
you?” They are separated by a comma.
Add a comma in the correct place
between the statement and the tag
question. Underline the tag question.
It’s true isn’t it?
 Quit that tapping will you?
 Lets leave shall we?
 Give me that hammer would you?
 It is beautiful isn’t it?
 You love it don’t you?
 She didn’t say that did she?

It’s true, isn’t it?
 Quit that tapping, will you?
 Lets leave, shall we?
 Give me that hammer, would you?
 It is beautiful, isn’t it?
 You love it, don’t you?
 She didn’t say that, did she?

We also need to use a comma when
we address someone directly.
What does it mean to address someone
directly?
 Addressing someone directly simply
means that you are speaking to someone.
 For example: Is that you Steve?
 However when addressing someone
directly we need to use commas to
set off the person's name or title.

Incorrect sentence = Is that you Steve?
 The sentence above is missing the
comma!
 Correct sentence = Is that you, Steve?
 Notice how the comma comes
before the name, offsetting the
direct statement from the name.

More Examples
Will you be attending the party tonight,
Mason?
 Mr. Walker, how long have you been in the
business?
 Great job, Spencer!
 Watch out for that giant dog, Ben!
 I would really like to go swimming, Mom.

Review!
We need to use a comma to set off
words from an introductory clause!
 For example: If they want to win, the
soccer team must practice often.
 Here a comma separates the
introductory clause (if they want to win)
from the rest of the sentence (the soccer
team must practice often).

We use a comma to set off the
words Yes and No
When using the words Yes and No as
introductory elements we must use a
comma to set these words apart from the
rest of the sentence.
 Yes, thank you.
 No, I do not want to go to the dentist
today.
 Yes, I like shopping.
 The comma sets the words Yes and No
apart from the rest of the sentence.

We use a comma to set off a tag
question from the rest of the
sentence.
It’s true, Isn’t it?
 I did not see him at the mall, did you?
 The magic show was impressive, wasn’t it?

We also need to use a comma to
set off words in a direct address.
Good job, Susie!
 People, don’t make the same
mistake I did.
 I’m sorry, John,
 You will be happy to learn, Mr. Jones,
that you have won our grand prize.
