Name:_____________________________________
Mrs. Daniel Block _______________________
English 11H
Date:_____________________________________
Grammar Notes: Commas in Sentence Parts
pp. 226-228
Commas with Introductory Elements
1. Use a commas after _______________________________________________________ or
________________________________________________ words such as oh, yes, no, and well.
Ex: Oh, I did not see you standing there.
2. Use a comma after an introductory __________________________________________________ that
contains additional prepositional phrases.
Ex: In the middle of the story, one of the main characters simply disappears.
3. Use a comma after an introductory _________________________________.
Ex: Silently, the little boy crept down the stairs to see his presents.
4. Use a comma after an ____________________________________________ or
_________________________________________ phrase that serves as an introductory element.

An infinitive phrase is a phrase that begins with the “to + a verb” form, and
function like a noun, adjective, or an adverb.
Ex: To cover their expenses, the club held a fundraiser.

A participial phrase is a phrase that begins with an –ing verb (present participle)
or a verb ending in –d or –ed (past participle) that functions as an adjective.
Ex: Smiling politely, the young girl turned in her paper.
Commas with Interrupters
5. Use commas to set off nouns of ____________________________________________________. This is a word
naming the person(s) spoken to.
Ex: Alice, have you finished your reading yet?
6. Use commas to set off ______________________________________________________________, such as
however, therefore, for example, I suppose, and by the way.
Ex: By the way, I recorded that television show you wanted to watch.
Commas with Nonessential Clauses and Phrases
7. Use commas to set off __________________________________________ clauses and nonessential
_______________________________________ phrases.
Ex: The science teacher, who also teaches a few math classes, is giving a
presentation this afternoon. (Nonessential clause)
The students, writing furiously on their papers, were still unable to finish them in
time. (Nonessential participial phrase)
8. Use commas to set off _________________________________________ appositive phrases.
Commas with Compound Sentences
9. Use a comma before the ________________________________________ that joins the two
______________________________________ clauses of a compound sentence.
Ex: I was going to go out tonight, but I had to finish my homework.
Note: Make sure you are punctuating a compound sentence (two independent
clauses), and not a compound predicate.
Commas with a Series or List
10. In a series of ____________________________________ or more items, use a comma after each item
except the ________________________________________.
Ex: Today you will print, review, and submit your essays.
11. Use a comma between two or more _____________________________________ of equal rank that
modify the same _________________________________.
Ex: The cute, fluffy kitten chased the ball of yarn across the room.