Adjectives/ Adverbs, Capitalization, and Commas

 Rules for comma usage Rule 1 – the comma in a series A “series” is a list of three or more items, the last two of which are joined by and, or or nor. _____________, ______________, _______________ EXAMPLES: cups, jars, and plates cups of sugar, jars of honey, and plates of spaghetti whom you see, where you go, or what you do Commas in a Series

 Rule 2 – the comma with coordinate adjectives “Coordinate adjectives” are adjectives placed next to each other that are equal in importance. To determine whether adjectives are cordinate 1.See whether “and” can be smoothly placed between them. 2.See whether the adjectives’ order can be reversed. EXAMPLE: We saw a happy, lively poodle Commas Between Adjectives

 Rule 3 – the comma in a compound sentence Use a comma before for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so What is a compound sentence? A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2 independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought. It is also known as a simple sentence. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. EXAMPLE – Joe read the book, BUT his friend saw the movie Commas in Compound Sentences

 Rule 4 – The comma with introductory words Place a comma after introductory phrases that tell where, when, why, or how. After a long introductory phrase EXAMPLE – During the hot summer or 1984, the temperatures set records. During 1984, the temperature set records. Commas after Intro Phrases

 Rule 5 – the comma with nonessential words, phrases, and clauses. Separate with a comma any non-essential words or groups of words from the rest of the sentence. Separate “interrupter” words like however, nevertheless, yes, no, of course EXAMPLE – Mr. Jones, the foreman at the plant, is on vacation. Commas with Parenthetical Phrases

 ¨ Capitalize any noun that is proper - Names of people, places, or things. ¨ DO NOT capitalize common nouns - Name a general item or person CommonProper cookieOreo schoolPrairieview School chipsDoritos Capitalization – Common vs. Proper Nouns

 When giving directions you WILL NOT capitalize the direction - Drive west to get to my childhood house. ¨ When saying a location you WILL capitalize the direction - My parents live out West. Capitalization – Direction vs. Location

 ¨ When there is a title in front of a name, like Uncle Tom or President Obama, you will capitalize the title and the name. - I went to my Uncle Tom’s cabin this summer. ¨ However, if there is not a specific name attached to the title it will not be capitalized. - I went and visited the president. Capitalization - Titles

 ¨When you have the title of a piece of writing, capitalize the first word of the title and then any important words – nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and so on ¨You WILL NOT capitalize articles in titles. - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - The Tales of Despereaux Capitalization – Titles of Works

 ¨Capitalize the name of school subjects only when you are referring to a specific course - I look forward to history class. - I am taking History 101 at the community college. ¨At the same time, you will ALWAYS capitalize a language whether it is a specific class or not. - I am going to Spanish class. -I love going to English. Capitalization – Class vs. Subject

  An adjective’s job is to modify a noun or pronoun.  Adjectives are always near the noun or pronoun they are describing.  Adjectives can show appearance, color, condition, feelings or emotions, and more.  Ex: red shoes, handsome gentleman, scary house Adjectives

  Adverbs are words that modify  Adverbs can modify verbs  He drove slowly.  Adverbs can modify another adverb  She moved quite slowly down the aisle.  Adverbs can modify adjectives  He drove a very fast car. Adverbs