PUNCTUATION
Holt ch.14
COMMAS wksht. A
RULE 1: Use a comma to separate
words, phrases, or clauses in a series
of three or more.
,
,
The dog went in the house, to his bowl, and up the stairs.
She had a bagel an apple and juice. (words)
(phrases)
,
,
We ate we danced and then we left. (clauses)
COMMAS wksht. A
RULE 1: Use a comma to separate words,
phrases, or clauses in a series of three or
more.
Some writers do not use the COMMA before the
conjunction with a series, but you SHOULD use a comma
there!
She cried, kicked and screamed during the tantrum. NO!!
She cried, kicked, and screamed during the tantrum.YES!!
COMMAS wksht. A
RULE 2: use a comma between two
adjectives (in a row) preceding a noun
wild, aggressive dog
Do the check test. Can you switch them
around? Can you use “and”?
wild and aggressive dog
aggressive and wild dog
If the switch makes sense, you need a comma.
COMMAS wksht. A
RULE 2: two adjectives in a row
describing a noun
fat, hairy cat
steamy, delicious soup
hairy, wild Siberian husky
ugly, vicious French poodle
warm, crunchy French bread
COMMAS wksht. B
RULE 3: Use a comma before a
conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins
independent clauses in a sentence.
I wanted vanilla ice cream. All they had was chocolate.
,
I wanted vanilla but all they had was chocolate.
(subject and verb) , BUT (subject and verb)
(independent) , BUT (independent)
COMMAS wksht. B
RULE 3: Use a comma before a conjunction
(FANBOYS) when it joins independent
clauses in a sentence.
DO NOT BE FOOLED! WARNING! DO NOT BE FOOLED!
MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES AND
THAT BOTH CONTAIN A SUBJECT AND A VERB in order to use the
comma between the independent clauses!
Usually we study in the morning and play basketball in the afternoon.
(subject and verb) , and (verb)
COMMAS wksht. C
RULE 3: Use commas to set off an expression
that interrupts a sentence.
Two commas are needed if the INTERRUPTER
is in the middle of the sentence.
Anne Meyers, our neighbor, is a good golfer.
One comma is needed if the INTERRUPTER starts
or ends the sentence.
Of course, I would like to win.
My answer is correct, I suppose.
COMMAS wksht C
Do not worry about essential versus
non-essential! This is an eighth or ninth
grade standard.
Cross off activity B on worksheet C
side! For now, put commas around all
interrupters whether essential or not!
COMMAS wksht C
Types of interrupters:
Participial Phrase: A phrase that looks like a verb,
but it functions as an adjective.
Paul, thrilled by the applause, took a bow.
My sister, listening to the radio, did not hear me.
Ellis Island, rebuilt as a museum, opened in 1990.
COMMAS wksht C
Types of interrupters:
Adjective Dependent Clause: who, whose, which, whom
(along with a verb)
Paul, who won the contest, took a bow.
My sister, whom I dislike, did not hear me.
Ellis Island, which was rebuilt, opened in 1990.
COMMAS wksht C
Types of interrupters:
Appositive phrase: noun/pronoun phrase used to
identify or rename the subject.
Paul, my neighbor, took a bow.
My sister, the littlest, was there.
Ellis Island, the museum, opened in 1990.
COMMAS wksht D
Types of interrupters:
Direct Address: speaking directly to a person or
group of people
Paul, take a bow please.
Take a bow, Paul, please.
Take a bow please, Paul.
EXAMPLES:
Good work, students.
Congratulations, track team!
Help me, boys!
Did you hear me, Jennifer?
EXAMPLES:
Ladies, get ready.
Gentlemen, let’s go!
Happy birthday, Brenden!
Congratulations, Mom!
COMMAS wksht D
Types of interrupters:
Parenthetical Expression: a side remark that
could be in parenthesis; not very important,
and kind of conversational or transitional
Paul, by the way, took a bow.
My sister, of course, was there.
Ellis Island, I suppose, opened in 1990.
COMMAS wksht D
Common Parenthetical Expressions
BY THE WAY
IN FACT
HOWEVER
I SUPPOSE
NEVERTHELESS
I BELIEVE
TO TELL THE TRUTH
IN MY OPINION
ON THE OTHER HAND
COMMAS
RULE 4: To set off introductory of prep
phrases of 5 or more words
From my house to your house, it is five
miles.
Near the old general store, there is a
gas station.
COMMAS
RULE 5: To set off introductory WORDS
First, I want to go home.
Then, I want to have a snack.
Yes, it will be a healthy one.
But, I want ice cream.
Still, I will resist the temptation.
COMMAS
RULE 6: To set off an introductory
dependent clause
After she won the trophy, we celebrated.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE
STARTERS
AS
ALTHOUGH
AFTER
BEFORE
BECAUSE
IF
IN ORDER TO
SINCE
UNTIL
UNLESS
WHEN
WHENEVER
WHERE
WHEREVER
WHILE
WHETHER
EXAMPLES
,
Since you did not sleep well you are tired.
Because you are tired, you fell asleep at school.
When the teacher called home, you were worried.