Commas
In a series
 You must place a comma
to separate items in a
series or list with more
than two items.
 Example:
 Bob, Sally, and Mike
presented an interesting
report.
 You can find the cat
laying in bed, eating his
food, or playing with his
toys.
Which is correct
 1. The ball bounced, rolled, and flew down the stairs.
 The cats dog and mouse all lived in the same house.
 When Bob is hungry he yells at people, throws
things, and stomps around the room.
 Jumping rope running laps and playing sports are all
healthy activities.
Between Adjectives describing the same noun
 Place commas between
equal adjectives which
are both describing the
same noun.
 Example:
 The soft, red sweater was
pretty.
 The drooling, hungry dog
saw the bone and
thought of dinner.
Which is correct?
 1. The difficult final exam was confusing.
 2. The annoying, obnoxious student finally stopped
talking.
 3. The colorful jovial clowns made people laugh.
 4. The grass was cut by the loud smoky lawn mower.
 5. The dark, spooky hallway made Sally want to turn
around.
To solve run on sentences
 Place a comma and a
conjunction in between
two dependent clauses
(ideas).
 Examples:
 The war lasted for two
years, but never gathered
much support from the
troops.
 Bob likes to run while
outside, and he likes to
jump while inside.
Nonessential adjective clause or participial
phrases
 This means you need to
use commas when you
add info to a sentence
that doesn’t need to be
there.
 Example:
 Mary Jones, who was
afraid of mice, bought a
cat.
 The students, who talk
too much, did their work.
 Examples:
 The red dog, who likes to
chew on bones, growled
at me.
 Bob’s car, which doesn’t
start when it’s cold out,
isn’t comfortable to ride
in.
 Mr. Jones, who is going
through a midlife crisis,
just bought a shiny red
Corvette.
Which is correct?
 1. This next batter, who has sixteen home runs, is
only twenty years old.
 2. Miguel who won last year's contest is seeded first
in this year's competition.
 3. Some films, which I have not watched, were made
in black and white.
 4. Doctor Gavigan, who is a very competent
podiatrist, practices in New England.
Introductory elements
 Using a comma after an
introductory phrase or word
in a sentence. (THIS IS THE
BIG ONE THIS YEAR).
 This means the sentence
could stand on its own
without the beginning
information.
 Example:
 After working at the same job
for 35 years, Mr. Smith was
ready to retire.
 Examples:
 Before I meet your friend,
please tell me a little bit about
her.
 To find all the eggs, the
children had to look in every
little hiding place.
 Along with my brothers, we
played soccer at the park.
 In addition, we decided that
pie was the best dessert.
Which is Correct?
 1. After having been teased all her life about her
glasses Deanna decided that she would try contact
lenses.
2. After I ran my errands, I went home to rest.
 3. Yes you may have the last piece of apple pie.
4. Well I think it would be best for us to leave before
10:00 p.m.
5. Unfortunately the dog has run off with our dinner.
 6. Whether Susan has a shoe doesn’t matter, what
matters is that she can still walk.
Dates/Addresses
 Use a comma to separate
dates and addresses in
sentences.
 Examples:
 Jill's parents were married
on August 4, 1980.
 My father was born on May
16, 1949.
 The hospital was dedicated
on April 20, 1995.
 Use a comma to separate
addresses.
 Mardi Gras is held in New
Orleans, Louisiana.
 Peter Ustinov was born in
London, England.
 We live in Ashburn,
Virginia.
Which is correct?
 1. Tomorrow will be Thursday, October 10 2004.
2. Massachusetts attained statehood on February 6
1788.
3. Augusta Maine is the hometown of horror writer
Stephen King.
4. Destiny has grandparents who live in Dublin
Ireland.
Quotations
 You use a comma at the
end of a quote before
closing the quotes.
 Examples:
 "The race begins when I
fire the gun," the referee
said.
 "The Siberian tiger is
endangered," the ranger
explained.
 Examples:
 "The Queen Mother died
today," the journalist said
sadly.
 Mrs. Marks complained,
"Those dogs are ruining my
yard."
Which is correct
 1. . "What," she asked, "can we do about the poor




tests grades?“
2. "I don't know," Sally said.
3. “That cat is too mean” he said.
4. “How” he said “does that new tech work?”
5. “The football team won again,” said the coach.