February 11, 2015 Rachel’s Challenge: “A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” - unknown

Comma Rules: AD COMMAS COMMASCOMMAS ADAD

A  After or Around Quotes A comma separates the quotation from the words that tell who is speaking. ex: "Katie, let's go to the mall today,” Camilla said. A question mark or exclamation point takes the place of the comma. This means you put the question mark or exclamation point before the end quotation, and skip the comma. ex: "Katie, do you want to go to the mall today?” Camilla asked. Some quotations are divided in two. If quotations are divided, don't capitalize the second part of the sentence, and use commas to separate the quotation from the speaker. ex: "Katie, if we go to the mall,” Camilla said, "you can buy a gift for your mom.” If the divided quotation is two sentences, use a period after the words that tell who is speaking. Capitalize the first word of the new sentence. ex: "Katie, do you want to go to the mall?” Camilla asked. "Then you can buy those pants you wanted.” Every time a speaker changes, start a new paragraph. This means you go to a new line and indent the line with each new speaker.

Bellringer: Comma Rules D  Direct Address When directly addressing someone, the person’s name or title should be set off with commas. Ex: We could not have done it without you, Lisa. Ex: Thank you, Governor, for your support.

C  Compound Sentences A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses. An independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. The two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). Ex: The boys went to the park, but they did not go to the zoo. Ex: We like pizza, and we like spaghetti.

Bellringer: Notes on Commas O  Opening words, clauses, and phrases. When using an introductory word, phrase, or dependent clause to begin a sentence, use a comma. A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that depend on the main clause to give it meaning. Dependent clauses often start with: after, although, as, because, if, since, when, and while. Katrina stayed in the game because she was needed. Common introductory words: yes, however, well, next, meanwhile, still, furthermore, etc. Some Examples: Comma after a dependent clause: During the last thirteen football seasons, I have seen every P.S.U. home game. Comma after an opening phrase: To get a seat, you’d better come early. Comma after an opening word: Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.

Bellringer: Comma Rules M  Making Non-Essential Information Rule: Use commas before and after nonessential words, phrases, and clauses that interrupt the sentence or are non-essential. Non-essential elements do not change the meaning of the sentence when removed. (* Appositives are non-essential) Ex: My uncle, who is eighty years old, walks three miles everyday. Ex: The average world temperature, however, has continued to rise significantly.

M  Misc. Uses Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life. Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC? Rachel B. Lake, MD, will be the principal speaker. When you use just the month and the year, no comma is necessary after the month or year: “The average temperatures for July 1998 are the highest on record for that month.

A  Adjectives that Coordinate Rule: Place commas between coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are equal adjectives; that is, each one equally modifies the noun. How can I tell if adjectives are coordinate? Place the word and between the two adjectives Reverse the adjectives If, in both instances, the resulting phrase still sounds right, the adjectives are coordinate Ex: Her friend was a tall, thin man Ex: Those men are cruel, heartless people. The one exception to this rule occurs when the adjectives reflect size and/or color. Ex: The big black bear chased the picnickers al the way back to their car. Ex: The jasmine plant has a small white flower that fills the evening with a pungent fragrance