Comma Review Bounds

Rule 1 – Compound sentences Use either a semicolon or a conjunction with a comma to combine two independent clauses. If you do not have two independent clauses, do not follow this rule! Right: Ms. Tweed wrote to the student’s father, and she gave him a referral. Wrong: Ms. Tweed wrote to the student’s father, and gave him a referral.

Remember…. Remember to avoid comma splices (joining two independent clauses with only a comma and no conjunction) Wrong: Ms. Tweed wrote to the student’s father, she gave him a referral.

Rule 2 – Complex Sentences When the dependent clause comes first, there must be a comma following it. There is no need for a comma when the independent clause comes first. Megan went to school after she woke up. After she woke up, Megan went to school.

New Rule! Rule 3 – Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Elements A restrictive element is essential to the basic meaning of the sentence – NO COMMAS. Example: Weather that is damp makes me feel sick. Example: My brother Tony visited school today.

A nonrestrictive element is not essential to the basic meaning of the sentence – USE COMMAS Example: Mr. Jones, who grew up in Kansas City, is a doctor. Example: My brother, Tony, visited school today. * An appositive is a type of nonrestrictive element – it renames what you’re talking about but is not needed to understand.

Examples Right: Marina, who is president of the Biology Club, was the first person to sign up to the recycling drive. Right: People who want to be part of the recycling drive should sign up in the cafeteria. Right: Dogs that wag their tails are either displaying friendliness or aggression.

Practice! In each of the following sentences, tell whether the dependent clauses are restrictive or nonrestrictive. Commas have been omitted. 1. The band which leads the procession won the state championship last year. 2. Phillip who is an intelligent kid knew just what to do in the emergency. 3. A house that is in need of paint looks unattractive. 4. Franklin Roosevelt who was the 31st president was the first president to be elected to more than two terms. 5. I like the book that I am now reading. 6. I hate people who get angry too easily.

Comma Rule 4 Use commas to separate a direct address to someone from the rest of the sentence. Examples: Here’s your pen, Jane. Sir, I’m happy to meet you.

Comma Rule 5 Use commas to separate series of three or more words or expressions. Please pick up milk, bread, and sugar. I need you to paint the fence, water the lawn, and weed the garden. Do not use commas when there is only a series of two.

Comma Rule 6 Use a comma to separate transitional words or phrases from the rest of the sentence Yes, you may come in. No, you may not. Of course, I understand it now. Henry, however, shouldn’t be invited. Construction workers, though, are underpaid.

Comma Rule 7 Use commas to separate the day of the month from the year December 7, 1941 February 23, 2010

Comma Rule 8 Use commas to separate cities from states or countries London, England Paris, France Paris, Texas

Comma Rule 9 Use commas in letter greetings and closings Dear John, Sincerely, Mary

Comma Rule 10 Use commas to indicate the omission of certain words I like ice cream; Kylie, candy. I want to go to the mall; Andy, the movie.

Practice Quiz Practice Comma Quiz

Practice Rewrite the following sentences and punctuate them correctly. No these are not for sale Jennifer. Kelli Janet and Lauren will take a plane to Olympia Washington for the Olympic Trials In order to get there on time you should set your alarm for six a.m. Yes if you must know I am going. David I’d like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Marks our new neighbors.