Comma Rules/Grammar Bell Work

By the time the boy learned to make his bed, he was sixteen. Introducer: Use a comma after a word, phrase or dependent clause that is inserted in front of a complete thought, an independent clause. If the word, phrase, or dependent clause is added after the independent clause, the need for a comma is usually eliminated. Pattern= Dependent clause (DC) or introductory word + “,” + Independent Clause (IC): By the time the boy learned to make his bed, he was sixteen. The boy was sixteen by the time he learned to make his bed. Yesterday, I lost my keys. I lost my keys yesterday.

The game, unfortunately, was rained out. Interrupter: Use a comma to set off information that is not essential for a grammatically correct sentence. If a sentence remains when the information between the two commas is removed, both commas are appropriate; if not, one or both of the commas must be removed. The game, unfortunately, was rained out. One of my mother’s best friends, Mrs. Dobbs, just wrote a best seller. Other interrupter punctuation includes the dash, which sets apart startling information, and the parenthesis, which encloses citations or additional information, as follows: The skydiver—in spite of a broken leg—took the medal. This best selling author (you can learn more about her by consulting my bibliography) now resides in my community.

Linker: Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction—anyone one of the FANBOYS—to join two independent clauses. One can also join two independent clauses by using the semi-colon (;). Pattern = IC + “,” + a coordinating conjunction (fanboys: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) + IC + end punctuation. I stayed up too late studying for the ACT, so I missed my morning chemistry exam. I stayed up too late studying for the ACT; I missed my morning chemistry exam.

Linker: Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction—anyone one of the FANBOYS—to join two independent clauses. One can also join two independent clauses by using the semi-colon (;). Pattern = IC + “,” + a coordinating conjunction (fanboys: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) + IC + end punctuation. I stayed up too late studying for the ACT, so I missed my morning chemistry exam. I stayed up too late studying for the ACT; I missed my morning chemistry exam.

Comma Addendum In addition to previously noted rules, use commas: between city and state (Flint, Michigan); between day and year (March 23, 2005); and within numbers (3,204.) You may also wish to use a comma to emphasize a word at the end of a sentence, as follows: I want to buy a new car, not a truck. I want one, too.

APOSTROPHES: While most of you know that they indicate possession and contractions: Watch out for placement (is the word plural or singular): The witness’s testimony was perjury. The witnesses’ testimony reinforced all their claims. The student’s book is in his room. The students’ books are on backorder. Don’t confuse the possessive pronoun with the contraction; know when the apostrophe is needed and when it is not. It’s easy to position the apostrophe in its place. You’re not going to take your book with you.

, , Introductory Words, Phrases, & Clauses Focusing on Words 1st: 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: , Well I think we should ask for help. Yes I understand the problem. ,

, , , 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.