“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!!!”