Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics
The Comma
1.
A comma is used before introductory words, phrases, and clauses:
– Comma after an introductory word:
Yes, I agree with you on that issue.
Dad, give me some help in the kitchen.
– Comma after an introductory phrase:
In the long run, you’ll be better off without him.
Before the anniversary party, my father bought my
mother a necklace.
– Comma after an introductory clause:
If you call home, your parents will be pleased.
When the phone rings, I am always in the shower.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics
2.
Commas support items in a series; these items can be words, phrases, or clauses:
– Commas between words in a list:
Her bedroom was decorated in shades of blue,
green, and gold.
– Commas between phrases in a list:
I looked for my ring under the coffee table, between
the sofa cushions, and behind the chairs.
– Commas between clauses in a list:
Last week he graduated from college, he found the
woman of his dreams, and he won the lottery.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics
3.
A comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) links two
independent clauses.
– I am tired, for it is 2:00 A.M.
– It is very late, and my children need to go to bed.
– Neither did he give me the bracelet, nor did he give me
the ring.
– Joey knew he should finish the assignment, but he really
wanted to see the White Sox play.
– I can either begin my science project, or I can work on
the math equations.
– Mary woke up very early this morning, yet she still went
to the late show.
– She had the flu, so she did not want to attend the
community function.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics
4.
Commas are used around interrupters:
–
–
–
–
–
The game, unfortunately, was rained out.
My test score, believe it or not, was the highest in the class.
Potato chips, my favorite snack food, are better tasting when
they’re fresh.
James, caught in the middle of an argument, tried to keep the
peace.
In this example, commas are not needed because the
information is necessary:
•
–
The girl who called me was selling magazine subscriptions.
Note: The material that is not needed in the sentence is called
nonessential (or nonrestrictive), and the material that is
needed is called essential (or restrictive).
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics
5.
Commas are used with direct quotations:
– Use commas with quotations:
•
•
Her father told her, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
“The snow looks lovely,” he said.
– Note: Commas and periods go INSIDE the quotation
marks.
6.
Commas are used in names and dates:
– Use commas with dates and addresses:
•
•
•
October 3, 1984, is Monete’s date of birth.
We lived at 111 Bessemer Lane, Fairfax, Virginia, before we
moved to 125 Regency Court, Milwaukie, Oregon.
Dr. Bullwinkle is also a C.P.A.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics Exercises
•
Add commas where needed.
Q.
A.
My favorite colors are green purple and gold.
My favorite colors are blue, purple, and yellow.
Q.
I have waited tables in a restaurant answered phones for a non-profit company
and provided haircuts to disabled children.
I have waited tables in a restaurant, answered phones for a non-profit company,
and provided haircuts to disabled children.
A.
Q.
A.
In the future, I want to graduate from college I want to find a great job and I
want to share my life with the person I love.
In the future, I want to graduate from college, I want to find a great job, and I
want to share my life with the person I love.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics Exercises
•
Add commas where needed.
Q.
The red cardinal settled on my window sill but he paused there for only a
moment.
The red cardinal settled on my window sill, but he paused there for only a
moment.
A.
Q.
A.
You can ride the bike now or you can ride the bike after dinner.
You can ride the bike now, or you can ride the bike after dinner.
Q.
A.
After the sunset let’s walk to the beach and we can share dessert.
After the sunset, let’s walk to the beach, and we can share dessert.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics Exercises
•
Add commas where needed.
Q.
A.
No I refuse to enter the haunted house.
No, I refuse to enter the haunted house.
Q.
A.
Look Toto there’s a tornado!
Look Toto, there’s a tornado!
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics Exercises
•
Add commas where needed.
Q.
A.
After answering these questions let’s eat a snack.
After answering these questions, let’s eat a snack.
Q.
A.
When it is quiet in the upstairs apartment I like to play loud music.
When it is quiet in the upstairs apartment, I like to play loud music.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics Exercises
•
Add commas where needed.
Q.
After living in Virginia for years Felisha traveled to Los Angeles where she was
born to search for a new home.
After living in Virginia for years, Felisha traveled to Los Angeles, where she was
born, to search for a new home.
A.
Q.
A.
The baseball game I am sad to say was cancelled.
The baseball game, I am sad to say, was cancelled.
Chapter 22: Commas: Punctuation,
Word Choice, and Mechanics
Exercises
•
Add commas where needed.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Mrs. Buttercup who lived next door asked Mrs. Rose over for tea and cookies on
a Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs. Buttercup, who lived next door, asked Mrs. Rose over for tea and cookies on
a Tuesday afternoon.
Jean a hard-working woman helped organize the entire charity for disabled
adults.
Jean, a hard-working woman, helped organize the entire charity for disabled
adults.