7 Easy Rules to Improve Your Grammar Life

Commas, Commas, and More Commas!

Rule #1 (Review): Items in a Series

A series consists of three or more items of the same kind written one after the other in a sentence.

Always place the comma before the conjunction.(common conjunctions: and, but, or)

Remember you must have THREE items to need commas!

I packed these items for my ski trip: a scarf, boots, and gloves.

Rule #2: Compound SentencesThis is one of those

ways to fix a run-on we’ve talked about REPEATEDLY.

It isn’t enough to fix a problem, but with the help of a conjunction, relief is on the way!

But REMEMBER:Each sentence must

have a subject and a verb to combine to make a compound sentence.

Rule #3: Adjectives of Equal WeightLook for two

adjectives, and then try to reverse them. If they can be reversed then they need a comma.

The canoe toppled into the swift, harsh river.

Rule #4: Introductory ElementsAn introductory

element is a phrase or clause at the beginning of a sentence.

Place a comma between the phrase or clause and the main sentence.

Examples (Write One)Sprinting toward

third base, the runner suddenly realized he was going to be tagged out.

 Before the concert,

the stage lights were focused and cleaned.

Rule #5: InterruptersPlace commas around

words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt the flow of a sentence.

Choose one example to write:

He told me, however, that he liked my style.

My son, on the other hand, is more energetic than my daughter.

Rule #6: AppositivesRenames a noun. It also helps describe

a noun by giving you more information

Example: Our town library, the oldest building in the county, is being remodeled.

Set off by commas

Another Example:The insect, a large

cockroach with hairy legs, is crawling across the kitchen table.

Rule #7: Noun of Direct AddressWhen you use

someone’s name or title at the beginning of a sentence where you are talking to them, it’s called “direct address.”

Use a comma to separate the name from the sentence.

Examples:Ms. Griner, you are

the most fantastic teacher in the entire world.

Students, please stop talking.

Which Rule Goes With Which Sentence?1. Ms. Smith, our English teacher,

enjoys reading poetry.2. Lacey is smiling, but she hates

being here.3. As the song ended, he walked away.4. The joy of giving, however, is what

Christmas is about.5. The light, wet snow covered the

valley.6. Adam, could you open the window?7. Claire baked pies, cookies, and two

loaves of bread.

a. items in a series

b. interrupterc. introductory

word(s)d. appositivee. noun of

direct address

f. compound sentence

g. adjectives of equal weight.

How Many Did You Get??1. d2. f3. c4. b5. g6. e7. a