Comma Usage Mrs. Zakrewski 7 th Grade Language Arts 1

Remember a series is a group of 3 or more! Use commas to separate items in a series. Note: Items in a series can be words, phrases, or clauses. You will need paper, pencil, and an agenda for this class. [words] There were clothes under the bed, in the closet, and behind the door in the teenager’s room. [phrases] We ran, we jumped, and we laughed during field day. [clauses] 2

Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun. Elmo is a lovable, caring character on Sesame Street. Incorrect: The sly, red fox continues to torment the neighborhood pets. HINT: To see if a comma is needed, insert and between the adjectives. If and sounds awkward there, DON’T use a comma. 3

Use a comma before and, but, for, or, nor so, and yet when they join independent clauses in a compound sentence. I was going to take a nap, but I decided to work on my project. 4

Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence. My answer is correct, I think. 5

Use commas to set off nonessential participial phrases or nonessential subordinate clauses. HINT: Nonessential is information that is NOT needed to understand the meaning of the sentence. My brother, listening to music, did not hear me. 6

Use commas to set off appositives and appositive phrases that are nonessential. Our neighbor, Perry Platypus, is a secret agent. 7 Jamaica, a popular island for tourists, is in the Caribbean Sea.

Use commas to set off words that are used in direct address. Peter, remember with great power there must also come great responsibility. 8

Use commas to set off words that are used in direct address. Would you show me, Spider-Man, how to sling a web? 9

Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions. That test, in my opinion, was the most difficult test we have had in social studies so far this year. NOTE: A parenthetical expression is a side remark that adds information or relates ideas. 10

Use a comma after introductory words. Yes, you may turn in your extra credit. 11

Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. Greeted with applause from the audience, Donna accepted her award. 12

Use a comma after two or more introductory prepositional phrases. Before going to school, it is important to eat breakfast and brush your teeth. 13

Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause. After I finish my homework, I like to play video games. 14

Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses. Apple’s headquarters is located in Cupertino, California. On October 23, 2001, Apple announced the release of the very first iPod Current Logo

Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of any letter. Salutation Dear Mr. Truett, Closing Yours truly, 16

Use commas before and after an abbreviated title following a name. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a minister. 17

Use a comma to separate the speaker tag from a direct quotation. Mrs. Douglas asked, “Where is your homework?” 18

Use a comma to separate the speaker tag from a direct quotation. “There will be a test on Thursday,” said Mrs. Downs. NOTE: When a quotation comes before the speaker tag and is a statement or command, use a comma after the last word and before the closing quotation mark. 19

Use a comma to separate the speaker tag from a direct quotation. “That equation,” said Mrs. Sims, “is equivalent to this equation.” NOTE: In an interrupted quotation, use commas before and after the speaker tag. 20

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