“Where does that comma go???”
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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.
Don’t get a comma
confused with an
apostrophe!
Apostrophes
are at the
top; commas
are at the
bottom!
Apostrophe
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In the early morning, the lake looked cold, gray, and calm.
Words in a Series:
On the boat, we took extra clothes, fishing poles, and some snacks.
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.
Rule #1: USE COMMAS FOR ITEMS IN A
SERIES
Phrases in a SeriesChecking his shoelaces fastening his helmet strap and
positioning his kneepads Brandon prepared for the
skateboarding competition.What is a phrase
again?!
A group of words that
does not have a S & V
together
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Where do the
commas go?
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?
Group of words with a S & V. It can stand alone.
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Where do the
commas go?
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.
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NOTE!Repeated Conjunction
*If all of the items in a series
are joined by and, or, or nor,
do NOT use commas to
separate them!
I voted for Corey
and Mona and
Ethan in the
student council
election.
Example
and
and
and
and
or
or
or
nor
nor
nor
Let’s Practice!1. The delicate colorful wings of the hummingbird vibrate as
many as two hundred times each second.
Place commas where needed!
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.
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Items in a Series!
Rule # 2: Compound Sentences: Use a comma
before a coordinating conjunction when it joins
independent clauses in a compound sentence.
FANBOYS
For
And
Nor ButOr
YetSo
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!
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Rule #3: InterruptersUse 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.
EXAMPLE:Elise born in Texas moved to Colorado before coming to Ohio.
, ,What’s the interrupter?
So where do the commas go?
Interrupters Continued…
Born in Texas Elise moved to Colorado before coming
to Ohio.
Some interrupting expressions come at the beginning or
end of a sentence. In this case, only 1 comma is needed.
The applications were mailed three days ago by the
way.
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Where does the
comma go?
Nonessential & Essential…there’s
a difference
A.K.A. Needed & Not NeededNonessential Definition:
Example:
This small turtle, crossing the
street slowly, was in danger.
A phrase or clause that is not needed in a sentence. Doesn’t take away from the meaning.
Essential Definition:
Adds info that makes the N or Prn it
identifies more specific. DO NOT SET
OFF AN ESSENTIAL PHRASE!!!
NO COMMAS NEEDED!
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.
3. The card game canasta is descended from mah-jongg an
ancient Chinese game.
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,Correct!
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!
Examples:
1. Well I think we should ask for help.
2. Yes I understand the problem.
“Where should the comma go?”,
,
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!
As a general rule…
When you start a
sentence with a phrase
or a clause, usually you
need a comma after it!
When you’re writing…
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
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Dear Aunt SallyWhat 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
1113 Collins St
Fort Worth TX 76106
September 16 2010
Fix any
mistakes in
the letter!
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Nice Job!
“Congratulations!”
“Now You’re a Comma Pro!!!”