“Where does that
comma go???”
,
There are many different
ways to use a comma!
,
,
,
Let’s learn
them all!
,
,
,
,
First of all… “What is a
comma?”
,
, ,
, ,
, ,
Definition: Generally used to separate
words or groups of words so that the
meaning of the sentence is clear.
Apostrophe
Don’t get a comma
confused with an
apostrophe!
Apostrophes
are at the
top; commas
are at the
bottom!
Rule #1: USE COMMAS FOR ITEMS IN
A SERIES
Words, Phrases, and Clauses in a series are usually separated
by commas to show the reader where one item in the series
ends and the next begins.
Words in a Series:
In the early morning, the lake looked cold
,
, ,
,
gray
On the boat, we took extra clothes fishing poles
and calm.
and some snacks.
Phrases in a Series
,
,
Checking his shoelaces fastening his helmet strap and
,
positioning his kneepads Brandon prepared for the
skateboarding competition.
What is a phrase
again?!
Where
do the
commas
go?
A group of words that
does not have a S & V
together
Clauses in a Series
The lights dimmed,the curtain rose ,
and the play began.
We didn’t know where we were going ,
how we would get there,or when we
would arrive.
What is a clause again?
Where do the
commas go?
Group of words with a S & V. It can stand alone.
Use Commas to Separate 2 or More
Adjectives Before a Noun
,
, ,
Pomeranians are small energetic dogs.
These intelligent loyal playful pets
always enjoy a challenge.
NOTE!
Repeated Conjunction
and
*If all of the items in a series
are joined by and, or, or nor,
do NOT use commas to
separate them!
and
and
and
or
or
Example
I voted for Corey
and Mona and
Ethan in the
student council
election.
or
nor
nor
nor
STEPS:
1. Get in groups of 4 (with people beside
you).
2. Take out a piece of paper: 1 per group.
3. Write down 1 sentence using words in a
series, 1 sentence using phrases in a
series, & 1 sentence using clauses in a
series with commas used correctly.
4. The 1st group done correctly wins a
prize!!!!
Let’s Practice!
Items in a Series!
Place commas where needed!
1. The delicate colorful wings of the hummingbird vibrate as
,
many as two hundred times each second.
,
2. The cool soft wind blew across the forest.
,
3. Last week I read the novel The Lucky Stone the short story
Flowers for Algernon and the poem Legacy II.
,
, ,
,
4. I want to visit Thailand Nepal
China and Japan.
,
5. I sanded the the boards Jennifer
,
primed them and Paul painted them.
Rule # 2: Compound Sentences: Use a
comma before a coordinating conjunction
when it joins independent clauses in a
compound sentence.
FANBOYS
So
For
Yet
And
Or
Nor But
,
I enjoyed A Christmas Carol
but Romeo and Juliet is still my
favorite play.
I enjoy plays and movies.
No comma needed b/c there
are not 2 independent
clauses.
,
I enjoy going to plays and
my sister likes them too.
2 Indep. Clauses & a Conjunction so we
need a comma!
STEPS:
1. Get a Partner
2. Take out your lined index card
3. Lined side: Write 5 sentences
using 1 coord. conj. in each
sentence & do NOT use commas.
4. Unlined side: Write the same 5
sentences using commas.
5. Give to Mrs. Duncan when done!
Rule #3: Interrupters
Use commas to set off an expression
that interrupts a sentence
2 commas are used with interrupters: 1 goes before the
expression, and 1 goes after.
What’s the interrupter?
EXAMPLE:
Elise born in Texas moved to
Colorado before coming to Ohio.
,
,
So where do the commas go?
Interrupters Continued…
Some interrupting expressions come at the beginning or
end of a sentence. In this case, only 1 comma is needed.
,
Born in Texas Elise moved to Colorado before coming
to Ohio.
,
The applications were mailed three days ago by the
way.
Where does the
comma go?
Nonessential & Essential…there’s
a difference
Nonessential
A
phrase or clause that is not needed in a sentence.
Definition:
A.K.A. Needed & Not Needed
Doesn’t take away from the meaning.
Example:
This small turtle, crossing the
street slowly, was in danger.
NO COMMAS
NEEDED!
Adds info that makes the N or Prn it
identifies more specific. DO NOT SET
OFF AN ESSENTIAL PHRASE!!!
Essential Definition:
Example:
All farmers growing the new hybrid corn
should have a good harvest.
We need this info or the sentence changes
meaning totally! SO… no commas needed!
Let’s Practice a Few…
,
,
1. Leonardo Dicaprio the actor has appeared in many films.
2. The composer Mozart wrote 5 short piano pieces when he was 6.
Correct!
,
3. The card game canasta is descended from mah-jongg an
ancient Chinese game.
Use Commas to Set off Words of
Direct Address
Examples:
Mrs. Clarkson, this package is
addressed to you.
Do you know, Odessa, when
the next bus is coming?
I’d like to go now, Jeff.
Using a Comma When Speaking to
Someone Can Make a Big Difference!
(LOL!!!)
For Example…
Let’s eat Grandpa!
Let’s eat, Grandpa!
Ahhh!
Rule # 4: Introductory Words, Phrases, &
Clauses
Use a comma after certain introductory elements.
Focusing on Words 1st:
Use a comma to set off a mild exclamation such as:
well, oh, or why at the beginning of a sentence.
Other words such as yes and no are also set off with
commas!
“Where should
the
comma
1. Well I think we
should
ask for go?”
help.
Examples:
,
,
2. Yes I understand the problem.
Focusing on Introductory Phrases
& Clauses Now…
Use a comma after an
introductory phrase or clause.
If an introductory prep. phrase
is long, USE A COMMA!
,
Example: At night in the desert the
temperature falls rapidly.
If an introductory prep. phrase is short, a
comma MAY or MAY NOT be used!
EXAMPLES:
In the morning, we’ll tour our favorite
sites.
In the morning we’ll tour our favorite sites.
Either way works!!!
Commas with Verbal Phrases!
Use a comma after a
verbal phrase that
introduces a sentence!
Examples:
Signaling the referee for a
time out, the coach gathered
her players for a pep talk.
,
To keep your bones strong be sure
to eat foods rich in calcium.
Gumball Question!: What
is a verbal phrase?
HINT!
When
you’re
writing…
As a general rule…
When you start a
sentence with a
phrase or a clause,
usually you need a
comma after it!
Practice Makes Perfect!
Turn in Your Textbooks to
Pages 371-372!
Let’s Move & Put Some
on the Bard!
Oops…I Mean Board!
RULE # 5:Conventional Situations (Dates,
Addresses, Letters)
1. Dates & Addresses
Where should the commas go
in the following examples?
January 7,2010
Mike Jones
1456 Palm Lane
,
Lakewood California 87653
Fix any
mistakes in
the letter!
1113 Collins St
,
.
Fort Worth TX 76106
,
September 16 2010
,
Dear Aunt Sally
What a great time I had at
your house last week Your
two dogs Buffy and Pepper
certainly kept me entertained
I’ve really missed taking
them for walks and playing
fetch When summer begins
I could come visit again
Anyway thank you very
much for inviting me.
,
.
,
.
.
,
Sincerely
!
,
,
James
Nice Job!
“Congratulations!”
“Now
You’re a
Comma Pro!!!”