This PowerPoint addresses the standards presented below in a simple and straightforward way. It tackles misconceptions and explicitly explains the correct way to use commas in a sentence. Standard: L.5.2

5.L.2 b. Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence. 5.L.2 c Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), Use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence (e.g., It’s true, isn’t it?), Use a comma to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you, Steve?).

Using Commas to separate introductory clauses from the rest of the sentence

It is important to use commas after certain introductory clauses.

Many times a sentence will have an introductory part with the rest of the sentence following after. This is called an introductory clause.

Introductory Element ExamplesFirst we go to the store.

Can you identify the introductory element?

After the word first there should be a comma to separate the introductory element from the rest of the sentence.

“First we go to the store” should be written…

“First, we go to the store.”

Let’s try another one!Actually we harvest in June.

Actually, we harvest in June.

The word “actually “is the introductory clause.

Before I left I locked the door.

The introductory clause in this sentence is “before I

left”

Before I left, I locked the door.

Jogging along her usual path Eloise was caught by surprise.

Separate the introductory clause from the rest of the sentence by using a comma.

Jogging along her usual path, Eloise was caught by surprise.

Lying on the ground Roberto admired the clouds in the sky.Lying on the ground, Roberto admired the clouds in the sky.

In the following sentences underline the introductory element. Then, add commas where necessary.

During the course of this project we will see many interesting things.

According to a recent interview that happened a few years later.

At the age of twenty-six she became a neurosurgeon.

Whenever I go to the bank I stop at my aunt’s house.

During the course of this project, we will see many interesting things.

According to a recent interview, that happened a few years later.

At the age of twenty-six, she became a neurosurgeon.

Whenever I go to the bank, I stop at my aunt’s house.

You can also use a comma to set off the words Yes and No.

Words such as yes, no, indeed, and absolutely are called interjections. These interjections are usually included at the start of a sentence.

Commas are used to offset interjections. In the sentences below the interjection is underlined. Notice how the comma follows directly after the interjection.

Yes, she will apologize.No, I can’t go to the movie.Well, the snow has made it very difficult to drive in.

Use a comma to set off the words Yes and No.

Think of a sentence that either uses the word Yes or the word No at the beginning of a sentence. Where does the comma needs to be located in the sentence?

Underline the interjection and include a comma when necessary. No I have to work tonight.

Yes I can meet with you tomorrow.

Yes thank youNo I’m not busy tonight.

No, I have to work tonight. Yes, I can meet with you tomorrow.Yes, thank youNo, I’m not busy tonight.

Commas and Tag Questions You also need to use commas to

set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence!

But what is a tag question?A tag question is a question

that is added on to the end of a larger statement.

Example of a tag questionBelow is an example of a tag question.You are a teacher, aren’t you?

Notice where the comma is located. It comes between the statement and

the question. In the example above the statement is

“You are a teacher” and the tag question is “aren’t you?” They are separated by a comma.

Add a comma in the correct place between the statement and the tag question. Underline the tag question.

It’s true isn’t it?Quit that tapping will you?Lets leave shall we?Give me that hammer would you?It is beautiful isn’t it?You love it don’t you?She didn’t say that did she?

It’s true, isn’t it?Quit that tapping, will you?Lets leave, shall we?Give me that hammer, would

you?It is beautiful, isn’t it?You love it, don’t you?She didn’t say that, did she?

We also need to use a comma when we address someone directly.What does it mean to address

someone directly? Addressing someone directly simply

means that you are speaking to someone.

For example: Is that you Steve?However when addressing someone

directly we need to use commas to set off the person's name or title.

Incorrect sentence = Is that you Steve?

The sentence above is missing the comma!

Correct sentence = Is that you, Steve?

Notice how the comma comes before the name, offsetting the direct statement from the name.

More Examples Will you be attending the party

tonight, Mason?Mr. Walker, how long have you

been in the business?Great job, Spencer!Watch out for that giant dog,

Ben!I would really like to go

swimming, Mom.

Review!We need to use a comma to set

off words from an introductory clause!

For example: If they want to win, the soccer team must practice often.

Here a comma separates the introductory clause (if they want to win) from the rest of the sentence (the soccer team must practice often).

We use a comma to set off the words Yes and NoWhen using the words Yes and No as

introductory elements we must use a comma to set these words apart from the rest of the sentence.

Yes, thank you. No, I do not want to go to the dentist

today.Yes, I like shopping.The comma sets the words Yes and No

apart from the rest of the sentence.

We use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence.

It’s true, Isn’t it?I did not see him at the mall, did

you?The magic show was impressive,

wasn’t it?

We also need to use a comma to set off words in a direct address.Good job, Susie!People, don’t make the same

mistake I did.I’m sorry, John,You will be happy to learn,

Mr. Jones, that you have won our grand prize.