Conquering
the Comma!
What Is a Comma?

A comma is a
punctuation mark that
indicates a pause is
needed in a sentence.

Commas help to
clarify meaning for the
reader.

Commas can make
the sentence easier to
understand.
Clauses and Phrases
A clause is a group of words
that contains both a subject and
a verb that complement each
other.
 A phrase is a group of words
that does not contain a subject
or a verb that complement each
other.

Clauses and Phrases
Clause: contain a subject and verb.
If they form complete thoughts, we call them
independent clauses or sentences .
If they form incomplete thoughts, we call them
dependent, subordinate clauses, or fragments.
Phrase: are word clusters lacking subject and verb
combinations.
Clause examples:
1) We collected the data. while we ate our lunch.
(Complete sentence with a subject and verb. This is an
independent clause.)
2) While we collected the data , we ate our lunch.
(FRAGMENT as is even though it has a subject and
verb. This is a dependent clause.)
Phrase example:
While collecting data , we ate our lunch.
(Also a fragment, but not even a subject and
verb!)
Sentence Structure:
REVIEW: A Simple Sentence
A complete sentence has two
components: a subject and a
verb.
 The subject and verb must form
a complete thought to be
considered a simple sentence.

COMMA RULE #1
ITEMS IN A SERIES
Use commas to separate three or
more items in a series.
Example:
1. Cars, buses, and trucks clog city streets. (words)
2. Beside the fence, on the porch, or outside the back door is a
good place for that potted plant. (phrases)
3. Call me before you leave town, while you’re staying in Florida,
and after you return home. (clauses)
COMMA RULE #1, CONT.
ITEMS IN A SERIES
Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a
list.
 The commas will help the reader to avoid
confusion.

COMMA RULE #1, CONT.
ITEMS IN A SERIES
Consider the difference in the following:
A. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee
and Kim.
B. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee,
and Kim.
C. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee,
and Kim.
D. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee,
and Kim.
Q. Which do you think is Correct?
COMMA RULE #1, CONT.
ITEMS IN A SERIES
Commas should be placed in series of words,
phrases, or clauses.
 Place commas in the following sentences:

Martina
puton
on
Martina brushed
brushed her
her hair
hair,put
her pajamas,and
andwent
wentto
tobed.
bed.
She fell asleep and dreamed that she was
a princess,she
shekissed
kissedaafrog
frogand
, andshe
she
rescued her prince.
COMMA RULE #1, CONT.
ITEMS IN A SERIES
PRACTICE…
1. Copy the example, inserting the comma(s)
where needed.
The students at Del Webb Middle School
took notes studied and learned to use
commas correctly in sentences.
2. Create your own example sentence.
____________________________________
____________________________________
COMMA RULE #1, CONT.
ITEMS IN A SERIES

Check your answer.
The students at Del Webb Middle School took
notes
, studied, and learned to use commas
correctly in sentences.
COMMA RULE #2
Introductory Words and Phrases
Use a comma to show a pause after
an introductory word or phrase.
1.
2.
3.
Yes, we enjoyed your performance in the
play.
No, you didn’t sing off key.
Oh, it was so hot in the auditorium!
COMMA RULE #2, CONT.
Introductory Words and Phrases
Without the comma, the sentence may be
interpreted incorrectly.
 For example:

◦ “Go, get him doctors!” Mrs. Brown yelled.
◦ “Go get him, doctors!” Mrs. Brown yelled.
MATCH:
“The patient is hurt!”
“The patient is running away!”
COMMA RULE #2, CONT.
Introductory Words and Phrases

The comma after the introductory word or
phrase indicates a pause.
Consider the difference in the following:
A. Last month Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim.
B. Last, month Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim.
C. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim.
D. Last month Alex dated, Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim
Q. Which do you think is Correct?
COMMA RULE #2, CONT.
Introductory Words and Phrases
Practice
1. Well Marna, you earned a B for paying
attention in class, doing your homework,
and studying hard.
2. Indeed it was me who was the V.I.P. last
night.
3. Okay you can have ten more minutes of
video game time.

COMMA RULE #2, CONT.
Introductory Words and Phrases
PRACTICE…
1. Copy the example, inserting the comma(s)
where needed.
No you may not go to the movies because
you are failing English.
2. Create your own example sentence.
__________________________________
__________________________________
COMMA RULE #2, CONT.
Introductory Words and Phrases

Check your answer.
No, you may not go to the movies because you
are failing English.
Not a correct example…
How come? I got an A++ on the test last
week.
 Wow! That was such a good day!
 Why? I will do my homework if you feed
me.


Fine, I will do my homework if you feed
me.
Purdue University Writing Lab
COMMA RULE #3
Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
Use a comma after two or more
prepositional phrases at the
beginning of a sentence.
For a number of years, she served as
director of the National Youth
Administration's Division of Negro
Affairs.
*For a number and of years

COMMA RULE #3, CONT.
Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
What is a preposition?
o A word that relates a noun or a pronoun to
some other word in the sentence.

o
Examples
above, under, into, behind, around, inside, over, ahead,
below, across, beside, out, in, through,
What is a prepositional phrase?
 A group of words that begins with a
preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.


Examples
through the house, into the barn, under the couch, over
the hedge, in the cave, inside the toilet, behind the television
COMMA RULE #3, CONT.
Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
Put one comma after the two prepositional
phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
 Decide which is correct.

A. In the house, under the couch I found my phone.
B. In the house under the couch, I found my phone.
C. In the house, under the couch, I found my phone.
D. In the house under the couch I found my phone.
COMMA RULE #3, CONT.
Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
 Also, use a comma to set off a single long
prepositional phrase at the beginning of a
sentence.
 For example:
◦ Beneath a dozen fluttering red and blue banners,
he made his campaign speech.
 You need not set off a single short prepositional
phrase, but it’s not wrong to do so.
◦ For example:
◦In 1998 Frank Jordan ran for mayor.
◦In 1998, Frank Jordan ran for mayor.
COMMA RULE #3, CONT.
Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
Practice:
1. With hope of winning the tournament our
soccer team practiced hard.
2. In the fall of 1998 Frank Jordan ran for mayor.
3. Under tons of tiny rocks and pebbles she
found her diamond ring.
4. At four o’clock we will leave for the doctors.
COMMA RULE #3, CONT.
Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
PRACTICE…
Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where
needed.
In the bathroom behind the toilet is the toilet brush.
2. Create your own example sentence.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Purdue University Writing Lab
COMMA RULE #4
Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
Use commas to set off words that interrupt
the flow of thought in a sentence.
 Use commas to set off appositives in a
sentence.


The students, who did well on the comma
assessment, got a treat in class!
COMMA RULE #4, CONT.
Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
Sentence Structure:
Appositives
An appositive is a noun or phrase that
identifies the person or thing it follows.
 Use commas to set off MOST appositives.
 Do not use commas to set off a short
appositive, such as one name.
This is my friend Kara. (Introducing Kara)
This is my friend, Kara. (Talking to Kara)

COMMA RULE #4, CONT.
Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
My brother, the biggest nerd I know, plans to throw a party!
S
appositive
V
Juanita, who is only five feet tall, is a fine gymnast.
My brother Carl, whom I think you know, is sixteen today.
He must, of course, pay his fine.
He will, however, serve his time.
We have, therefore, been vindicated.
The game, as you remember, was a tie.
A new method of scoring, we decided, was necessary.
COMMA RULE #4, CONT.
Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
Do not set off essential clauses!!!
 Essential clauses are necessary to the
meaning of the sentence.

Example:
The house that has green shutters is at the corner of
Elm and Maple.
vs.
My house, which has green shutters, is at the corner
of Elm and Maple.
ESSENTIAL?
NONESSENTIAL?
COMMA RULE #4, CONT.
Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
PRACTICE…
Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where
needed.
Taking notes I believe helps you study for tests.
The man with the red hat was very funny. (essential)
Jerry, who has a red hat, was very funny.(Not essential)
2. Create your own example sentence.
________________________________________
________________________________________
COMMA RULE #5
Names in Direct Address
Use commas to set off nouns in direct
address.
 A noun in direct address is the name or title
of a person being spoken to.
Example:
Mrs. Barnhart, I love learning grammar!
I want to learn more about commas, Tracy,
so I can be the best writer!

COMMA RULE #5, CONT.
Names in Direct Address

Direct addresses may come at the beginning,
the middle, or the end of a sentence.

Madam, your package has arrived.

We are ready, Mrs. Wright, to deliver it.

Do you want us to attack, Coronel?
COMMA RULE #5, CONT.
Names in Direct Address

Where do the commas go in the following
sentences?

Claire have you ever traveled on a ship?

I have traveled to Alaska Mr. Hess on a
cruise ship.

Are you ready to eat Bryan?
COMMA RULE #5, CONT.
Names in Direct Address

Which ones are correct?
A. Mrs. Brown you are the greatest teacher ever!
B. Mrs. Brown, you are the greatest teacher ever!
C. You are the greatest teacher ever, Mrs. Brown!
D.You are the greatest teacher ever Mrs. Brown !
E.You are, Mrs. Brown the greatest teacher ever!
F. You are Mrs. Brown, the greatest teacher ever!
G. You are, Mrs. Brown, the greatest teacher ever!
Purdue University Writing Lab
COMMA RULE #5, CONT.
Names in Direct Address
PRACTICE…
Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where
needed.
Excuse me Mister where is West Elm Street?
Did you enjoy your trip down the Ohio River Dale?
2. Create your own example sentence.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
HOMEWORK
EXERCISES PAGE 491
Writer’s Choice Text Book
 Page 491-Review rules 1-5
 Page 492-Exercises 2 & 3
 Follow directions completely.

Homework: Worksheet practice-QUIZ TOMORROW

Use your Comma Rule Guide to insert commas in the following sentences.

Be sure to use the “comma insert” proofreading symbol.

Write the rule number that explains why the comma is needed in front of each of the sentences.

1.
4
Most people, naturally, would love to see Bigfoot.

2.
5
“Well done, my lad,” said the captain.

3.
_____No one I think has sighted a Bigfoot on a subway train.

4.
_____Beth Laural and Heather wrote a report on Lock Ness.

5.
_____ As a matter of fact I was about to do my homework.

6.
_____No one knows if Bigfoot is a man a myth or a monster.

7.
_____This fish it was thought had been extinct for 70 million years.

8.
_____In the Amazon I read somewhere there is a bird whose chicks have claws on its wings.

9.
_____On the first Saturday in June the pool will open.

…

Comma Rules 1-5:

1. Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series.

2. Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word or phrase.

3. Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence.

4. Use a comma to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.

5. Use a comma or commas to set off names in direct address.

COMMA RULE #6
Compound Sentences

Use a comma before a coordinating
conjunction in a compound sentence.

A compound sentence is a sentence that
combines two simple sentences with a
comma and a coordinating conjunction.
Steve opened the door, and the dog ran out.
COMMA RULE #6, CONT.
Compound Sentences
Coordinating Conjunctions
 For
Hey! That
 And
spells
 Nor
FANBOYS!!!
 But
 Or
 Yet
 So

Sentence Structure:
Compound Sentence
A sentence that contains two
simple sentences joined by a
coordinating conjunction is
called a compound sentence.
 A coordinating conjunction
joins words, phrases, and
clauses together in a
sentence.

FAN BOYS
Conjunctions
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
for
and
nor
but
or
yet
so
COMMA RULE #6, CONT.
Compound Sentences

Find the coordinating conjunctions in the
following sentences:
◦ The theater rehearsed in the morning, and they
performed the play in the afternoon.
◦ You can take the elevator, or you can walk up the
stairs to the third floor.
◦ I could take the train downtown, yet I will still be
late for the presentation.
◦ You may arrive early to the performance, but you
will still have to wait outside.
COMMA RULE #6, CONT.
Compound Sentences

A common mistake:

This morning Maria planted vegetables and,
this afternoon she planted fruit trees.

This morning Maria planted vegetables, and
this afternoon she planted fruit trees.
COMMA RULE #6, CONT.
Compound Sentences
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences:
1. Julia read the book but Alex saw the movie.
2. The baby whined and cried so his mother
comforted him.
3. My coach helps me during the week and
my mother works with me over the
weekend.
4. I thought the test was easy yet I still did
poorly.
COMMA RULE #6, CONT.
Compound Sentences
PRACTICE…
1. Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where
needed.
The boys played football and the girls cheered on the
sideline.
The weather man said it would rain today so I
brought my umbrella with me.
2. Create your own example sentence.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
A Common Comma Error:
The Comma Splice
A comma splice is an error in which two
sentences are joined by a comma.
 No conjunction is written!!!

We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon.
S
V
S V
The Internet has revolutionized the business world,
S
V
online sales have increased dramatically this year.
S
V
To Correct a Comma Splice
Insert a conjunction between the two sentences.
2. -Or- start a new sentence.
3. -Or- insert a semi-colon between the two
sentences.
1.
•We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again
soon.
•We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon.
•We had a nice time; I hope we can meet again soon.
COMMA RULE #7
In Letters
Use a comma after the salutation
(greeting) of a friendly letter and after
the closing of a friendly and a business
letter
Dear Ben,
Your friend,
Bethany
Sincerely,
Natalia Gomez
COMMA RULE #7, CONT.
In Letters
A common mistake:
Dear, Morgan
Your, friend
Dear Morgan,
Your friend,
COMMA RULE #8
To Prevent Misreading
Use a comma to prevent misreading.
Instead of two five teachers made the trip.
Instead of two, five teachers made the trip.
In the field below the brook gurgled
merrily.
In the field below, the brook gurgled
merrily.
COMMA RULE #8, CONT.
To Prevent Misreading
Where do you think the comma should go in the following
sentences?
1. Until the week before Dad’s birthday shopping
hadn’t seemed like a priority.
2. To get through a tunnel must be built.
3. After the ribbon cutting ceremony was over the
bridge was officially opened.
4. After washing and grooming the dog was ready
for the show.
5. When violently angry elephants trumpet.
6. From inside the house appeared much smaller.
Rules 6-8 Homework
Writer’s Choice
Review rules p. 493
complete exercises 4 & 5 on p.494
Purdue University Writing Lab
HOMEWORK
Use your Comma Rule Guide to insert commas in the following sentences.
Be sure to use the “comma insert” proofreading symbol.
Write the rule number that explains why the comma is needed in front of each
of the sentences.
1.
_____Dear Aunt Millie
2.
_____Instead of New York Boston was our choice.
3.
_____Hakeem weeded the garden and his mom picked the vegetables.
4.
_____Felipe’s first language is Spanish and Andre speaks French.
5.
_____Instead of twelve six players got new uniforMrs.
Comma Rules 6-8:
6. Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in a compound
sentence.
7. Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of
both a friendly letter and a business letter.
8.
Use a comma to prevent misreading.
Purdue University Writing Lab
COMMA RULE #9
In Dates
Use a comma before and after the year when it is used with
both the month and the day.
The ship struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank
early the next morning.
Do not use a comma if only the month and the year or the
month and the day are given.
The ship sank in April 1912 on its first voyage.
The ship sailed on April 14 in the morning.
COMMA RULE #9, CONT.
In Dates
Where do the commas belong in the following examples?
1. The Declaration of Independence was actually
signed by the delegates in August 1776 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. Ryan reminded his cousins, “My eleventh birthday
party will be April 11 2002 at the skating rink.”
3. Ona left Charleston, South Carolina, when she was
ten, and she did not return until October 18 2002 in
the evening.
COMMA RULE #9, CONT.
In Dates
Writers, even adults, usually forget to put the comma after the
date in a sentence.
Think about how you can remember to put the comma after the
date if the sentence continues.
Mrs. Brown changed the world when she
was born on April 8, 1987, at 6:13 am.
COMMA RULE #9, CONT.
In Dates
Why do you think there are no commas if just the
month and year are written?
My brother David was born September 1975 in the
middle of the night.
What about if just the month and day are written?
Why isn’t there a comma here?
My sister Lauren was born July 26 after our family
summer picnic.
COMMA RULE #9, CONT.
In Dates
Dates actually can have four parts to them…
1. The day of the week.
2. The month.
3. The number of the day on the calendar.
4. The year
On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there
will be a giant test over comma rules.
COMMA RULE #9, CONT.
In Dates
Another thought:
There is no comma between the year
and B.C. or the year and A.D.
On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there
will be a giant test over comma rules.
Purdue University Writing Lab
COMMA RULE #9, CONT.
In Dates
Consider the differences in the following:
On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant
test over comma rules.
There will be a giant test over comma rules on
Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D.
There will be a giant test over comma rules on a
Friday on March 9, 2012 A.D.
There will be a giant test over comma rules on a
Friday in March 2012 A.D.
COMMA RULE #10
In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries
Use commas before and after the
name of a state or country when it is
used with the name of a city.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, we…
DO NOT use a comma after the state
if the state name is followed by a zip
code.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89052
COMMA RULE #10, CONT.
In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries
The ship was sailing from Southampton, England,
to New York City.
You can write to Leeza at 15 College Court,
Stanford, CA 94305.
The cattle were herded along the Chisholm Trail
from San Antonio, Texas, to Abilene, Kansas.
COMMA RULE #11
Abbreviated Titles
Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off
an abbreviated title (except Jr. and Sr.) or a
degree following a person’s name.
Dr. Mitchell Bowers, DVM, wrote…
COMMA RULE #11, CONT.
Abbreviated Titles
Michelle Nakumura, Ph.D., will be
the graduation speaker.
Latisha Davis, M.D., is our family
physician.
COMMA RULE #12
When too means “also”
Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off too
when too means “also”.
I want to shop at Macy's, too.
I, too, want to shop at Macy's.
I want to shop, too, while we're out.
Do not use commas with too when to means
“excess”.
The prices at Macy’s were too high.
I was too tired to shop at Macy’s
COMMA RULE #13
Commas with adjectives

Use commas to separate adjectives that
provide an equal description of a noun.
THE TEST:
Can you put “and” between the adjectives?
Can they be described in reverse order?
If so, use a comma.
big blue house
three hungry kittens
a cranky, ungrateful man
Key Item

Commas
Detail

Use a comma or pair of
commas to set off an
abbreviated title or degree
following a person’s name.
◦ Ex. The first American woman
to participate in a space
mission was Sally Ride, Ph.D.
Other Commas
Key Item

Detail
Semicolons in Compound
Sentences
◦ Used to join parts of a
compound sentence when a
conjunction such as and, but or
or is not used. Remember
that a compound sentence has
two or more simple sentences
that are joined by a
conjunction.
 Ex. The night was clear ; the
stars were bright.
Semicolons and colons
Key Item

Detail
Semicolons with Items in a
Series
◦ When there are commas within
parts of a series, use a semicolon
to separate the parts.
 Ex. John was from Ames, Iowa;
Helen was from Las Vegas,
Nevada; and Linda was from
Rockford, Illinois.
Semicolons and colons
Key Item

Detail
Colons
◦ Use a colon to introduce a list of
items that ends a sentence. Use a
phrase such as these, the
following, or as follows before the
list.
 Ex. A list of the greatest
scientists in history usually
begins with these names:
Newton and Einstein.
◦ DO NOT use a colon immediately
after a verb or a preposition.
Semicolons and colons
Key Item

Detail
Colons
◦ Use a colon to separate the hour
from the minute when you write
the time of day.
◦ Use a colon after the salutation of
a business letter.
 Ex. Dear Sir or Madam:
Semicolons and colons
Key Item

Detail
Quotation Marks
◦ Rule 1
◦ Use quotation marks before and
after a direct quotation.
◦ A direct quotation is a speaker’s
exact words.
 Ex- “These games are a challenge,”
Joe declared.
Quotation marks and italics
Key Item

Quotation Marks
◦ Rule 2
Detail
◦ Use quotation marks around each
part of an interrupted quotation.
 Ex- “Shannon,” Anne asked, “are
these the pants you bought last
week?”
Quotation marks and italics
Key Item

Detail
Quotation Marks
◦ Rule 3
◦ Use a comma or commas to
separate a phrase such as he said
from the quotation itself. Place the
comma outside opening quotation
marks but inside closing quotation
marks.
 Ex- John declared, “These games are
a challenge.”
 Ex- “These games,” Joe declared, “are
a challenge.”
Quotation marks and italics
Key Item

Detail
Quotation Marks
◦ Rule 4
◦ Place a period inside closing
quotation marks.
 Mrs. Brown said, “ The Cleveland
Browns are the best.”
Quotation marks and italics
Key Item

Detail
Quotation Marks
◦ Rule 5
◦ Place a question mark or an
exclamation mark inside the
quotation mark when it is part of
the quotation.
 Ex- “Oh no !” Nina cried. “Where’s
my notebooks?”
Quotation marks and italics
Key Item

Detail
Quotation Marks
◦ Rule 6
◦ Place a question mark or an
exclamation mark outside the
quotation mark when it is part of
the entire sentence but not part
of the quotation.
 Ex- Did Francis say, “Buy me a
Cleveland Browns jersey” ?
Quotation marks and italics
Quotation marks and italics
Quotation Marks for Titles
SCAPES
Song
“Moves Like Jagger”
Chapter
“ Summer Days,” from Charlotte’s Web
Article
“Hands and Hearts”
Poem
“Annabel Lee”
Essay/Episode
“Americans All”
Story (short)
“Scout’s Honor”
Quotation marks and italics
Italics for Titles
Book
Stuart Little
Play
The Miracle Worker
Magazine/newspaper
Time
Movie/Television Series
James and the Giant Peach
CD
Watch the Throne
Epic Poem
Odyssey
Painting
American Gothic
Ship
Queen Mary
Train
Twentieth-Century Limited
Airplane or Spacecraft
Columbia
Quotation marks and italics
Underlines for Titles
**Underline when using handwriting to
indicate words that should be in italics in
printed material.
Book
Stuart Little
Play
The Miracle Worker
Magazine/newspaper
Time
Movie/Television Series
James and the Giant Peach
CD
Watch the Throne
Epic Poem
Odyssey
Painting
American Gothic
Ship
Queen Mary
Train
Twentieth-Century Limited
Airplane or Spacecraft
Columbia
Quotation marks and italics

An I
ndirect quotation is a
restatement, in somewhat different words,
of what someone said. DO NOT USE
quotation marks to set off an indirect
quotation.
◦ ExThe manager announced that the
store is closing.
Key Item

Detail
Hyphens
◦ Rule 1
◦ Use a hyphen to show the division of a word
at the end of a line. Always divide a word
between syllables.
Correct
Lad-der
Be-tween
Be-low
Incorrect
Ladd-er
Bet-ween
Bel-ow
Hyphens, Dashes, and
Parentheses
Key Item

Detail
Hyphens
◦ Rule 2
◦ Use hyphens in certain compound words.
 Ex-
◦ Rule 3
self-made
great-uncle
great-grandmother
brother-in-law
◦ Use hyphens in compound numbers from
twenty-one through ninety-nine.
 Ex-
sixty-five pianos
Forty-two experiments
Hyphens, Dashes, and
Parentheses
Key Item

Detail
Hyphens
◦ Rule 4
◦ Use hyphens in spelled-out fractions, such as
one-third and four-fifths.
Hyphens, Dashes, and
Parentheses
Key Item

Detail
Dashes
◦ Use dashes to show an abrupt break in
thought.
 Ex.- The Big Dipper - if I can find it- is in the
northern sky.

Parentheses
◦ Use parentheses to set off material that is
loosely related to the rest of the sentence.
 Ex- Orion (a hunter in Greek mythology) is
also the name of a famous constellation.
Hyphens, Dashes, and
Parentheses
Key Item

Detail
Apostrophes
◦ Rule 1
◦ Use an apostrophe to form the
possessive of any noun, whether
singular or plural.
◦ For a singular noun, add ‘s even if
the word ends in s.
 Ex. Anthony’s backpack
James’s flashlight
Boy + ‘s= boy’s
Sydney + ‘s= Sydney’s
Apostrophes
Key Item

Detail
Apostrophes
◦ Rule 2
◦ Use an apostrophe and an –s to
form the possessive of a plural
noun that does not end in -s
 Ex. women’s
Mice’s
Apostrophes
Key Item

Detail
Apostrophes
◦ Rule 3
◦ For a plural noun, add s’. If the
word ends in s, add only an
apostrophe. Ex. Campers’ sleeping
bag
 rangers’ warnings
◦ DO NOT use an apostrophe in a
possessive pronoun.
 Ex. These skates are hers.
Theirs are in the car.
Apostrophes
Key Item

Detail
Apostrophes
◦ In contractions
◦ Use apostrophes in contractions to
show where the letters have been
left out.
 Ex. I am --- I’m
 They have--- They’ve
◦ DO NOT confuse contractions
with possessive pronouns, which
do not contain apostrophes.
Apostrophes
Key Item

Rule 1
Detail

Spell out numbers that you
can write in one or two
words.
◦ Ex. Six , sixty-six

Rule 2

Use numerals for numbers
of more than two words.
◦ Ex. 330
Writing Numbers
Key Item

Rule 3
Detail

Spell out any number that
begins a sentence or reword
the sentence so that it does
not begin with a number.
◦ Ex. Fifty-Five thousand fans
turned out for opening day.

Rule 4

Write a very large number in
numerals followed by the
word million or billion
◦ Ex. In 1991 major league baseball
attracted more than 56 million
fans.
Writing Numbers
Key Item


Rule 5
Rule 6
Detail

If related numbers appear in
the same sentence, use all
numerals even though you
might spell out one of the
numbers if it appeared alone.
◦ Ex. In 1953 the Dodgers won
105 games and lost 49.

Spell out ordinal numbers
(such as first, second, and third).
◦ Ex. Jackie Robinson was the first
African American to play in the
majors.
Writing Numbers
Key Item

Rule 7
Detail

Use words to express the
time of day unless you are
writing the exact time with
abbreviations.
◦ Ex. Today’s baseball game began
at two o’clock.
Writing Numbers
Key Item

Rule 8
Detail

Use numerals to express
dates, house and street
numbers, apartment and
room numbers, page
numbers, amounts of
money of more than two
words, and percentages.
◦ Ex. May 16, 1865
 241 Kobe Bryant Lane
 Apartment 3G
 50 Percent
Writing Numbers