Conquering the Comma!

What Is a Comma? A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader. Commas can make the sentence easier to understand. , Key Concepts: The facilitator may choose to invite the audience to respond to the title question and allow participants to discuss the function of the comma. Many writers become frustrated with comma usage because they are unsure of where to place them in their sentences. This presentation is designed to demystify the placement and usage of commas. The facilitator may stress to participants that commas should not be ignored in writing; they are often needed to clarify meaning within a sentence and can help to avoid confusion. Click mouse after title question to reveal each response.

Clauses and Phrases A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other. Key Concepts: This slide articulates the basic differences between a clause and a phrase. The facilitator may stress the importance of understanding these definitions for understanding comma placement.

Phrase: are word clusters lacking subject and verb combinations. Clauses and Phrases Clause: contain a subject and verb. If they form complete thoughts, we call them independent clauses or sentences . If they form incomplete thoughts, we call them dependent, subordinate clauses, or fragments. Phrase: are word clusters lacking subject and verb combinations.

(Also a fragment, but not even a subject and verb!) Clause examples: 1) We collected the data. (Complete sentence with a subject and verb. This is an independent clause.) 2) While we collected the data (FRAGMENT as is even though it has a subject and verb. This is a dependent clause.) while we ate our lunch. , we ate our lunch. Phrase example: While collecting data (Also a fragment, but not even a subject and verb!) , we ate our lunch.

Sentence Structure: REVIEW: A Simple Sentence A complete sentence has two components: a subject and a verb. The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered a simple sentence. Key Concepts: This slide explains the structure of an independent clause, the primary building block for the development of any sentence. An independent clause requires a subject and a verb that can stand as a complete thought. Sentences can be very short, as the one detailed in the slide. The facilitator may ask the audience to identify the subject and verb in the example. Click mouse after text appears to reveal picture and sample sentence. Click mouse after sample sentence to reveal the labels “subject” and “verb.” The couple dances. subject (S) verb (V)

COMMA RULE #1 ITEMS IN A SERIES Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Example: Cars, buses, and trucks clog city streets. (words) 2. Beside the fence, on the porch, or outside the back door is a good place for that potted plant. (phrases) 3. Call me before you leave town, while you’re staying in Florida, and after you return home. (clauses)

COMMA RULE #1, CONT. ITEMS IN A SERIES Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion. Key Concept: Commas should be placed between each element within a list. This placement can help the reader to avoid confusion.

COMMA RULE #1, CONT. ITEMS IN A SERIES Consider the difference in the following: A. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim. B. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim. C. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim. D. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim Activity: These examples illustrate the importance of comma placement within a list. The facilitator may ask students to answer the question “How many women did Alex date?” in accordance with each example—two women in the first, four in the second, and three in the third. Click to reveal each example. Q. Which do you think is Correct?

COMMA RULE #1, CONT. ITEMS IN A SERIES Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. Place commas in the following sentences: Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed. Martina brushed her hair put on her pajamas and went to bed. Activity: The facilitator may stress to participants that a series includes a list of words, but it can also include a list of phrases or clauses. This exercise allows participants to determine when the commas should be placed in each sentence. Click to reveal commas for each sentence. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess she kissed a frog and she rescued her prince. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

COMMA RULE #1, CONT. ITEMS IN A SERIES PRACTICE… 1. Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where needed. The students at Thurman White Middle School took notes studied and learned to use commas correctly in sentences. 2. Create your own example sentence. ________________________________________ ________________________________

COMMA RULE #1, CONT. ITEMS IN A SERIES Check your answer. The students at Thurman White Middle School took notes, studied, and learned to use commas correctly in sentences.

COMMA RULE #2 Introductory Words and Phrases Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word or phrase. Yes, we enjoyed your performance in the play. No, you didn’t sing off key. Oh, it was so hot in the auditorium!

COMMA RULE #2, CONT. Introductory Words and Phrases Without the comma, the sentence may be interpreted incorrectly. For example: “Go, get him doctors!” Ms. Feltes yelled. “Go get him, doctors!” Ms. Feltes yelled. MATCH: “The patient is hurt!” “The patient is running away!”

COMMA RULE #2, CONT. Introductory Words and Phrases The comma after the introductory word or phrase indicates a pause. Consider the difference in the following: A. Last month Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. B. Last, month Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. C. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. D. Last month Alex dated, Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim Q. Which do you think is Correct?

COMMA RULE #2, CONT. Introductory Words and Phrases Practice Well Marna, you earned a B for paying attention in class, doing your homework, and studying hard. Indeed it was me who was the V.I.P. last night. Okay you can have ten more minutes of video game time.

COMMA RULE #2, CONT. Introductory Words and Phrases PRACTICE… 1. Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where needed. No you may not go to the movies because you are failing English. 2. Create your own example sentence. __________________________________ __________________________________

COMMA RULE #2, CONT. Introductory Words and Phrases Check your answer. No, you may not go to the movies because you are failing English.

Not a correct example… How come? I got an A++ on the test last week. Wow! That was such a good day! Why? I will do my homework if you feed me. Fine, I will do my homework if you feed me. Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #3 Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. For a number of years, she served as director of the National Youth Administration's Division of Negro Affairs. *For a number and of years

COMMA RULE #3, CONT. Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence. What is a preposition? A word that relates a noun or a pronoun to some other word in the sentence. Examples above, under, into, behind, around, inside, over, ahead, below, across, beside, out, in, through, What is a prepositional phrase? A group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. Examples through the house, into the barn, under the couch, over the hedge, in the cave, inside the toilet, behind the television

COMMA RULE #3, CONT. Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Put one comma after the two prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Decide which is correct. A. In the house, under the couch I found my phone. B. In the house under the couch, I found my phone. C. In the house, under the couch, I found my phone. D. In the house under the couch I found my phone.

COMMA RULE #3, CONT. Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Also, use a comma to set off a single long prepositional phrase at the beginning of a sentence. For example: Beneath a dozen fluttering red and blue banners, he made his campaign speech. You need not set off a single short prepositional phrase, but it’s not wrong to do so. In 1998 Frank Jordan ran for mayor. In 1998, Frank Jordan ran for mayor.

COMMA RULE #3, CONT. Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Practice: With hope of winning the tournament our soccer team practiced hard. In the fall of 1998 Frank Jordan ran for mayor. Under tons of tiny rocks and pebbles she found her diamond ring. At four o’clock we will leave for the doctors.

COMMA RULE #3, CONT. Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence. PRACTICE… Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where needed. In the bathroom behind the toilet is the toilet brush. 2. Create your own example sentence. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #4 Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. Use commas to set off appositives in a sentence.

Sentence Structure: Appositives COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives Sentence Structure: Appositives An appositive is a noun or phrase that identifies the person or thing it follows. Use commas to set off MOST appositives. Do not use commas to set off a short appositive, such as one name. This is my friend Kara. (Introducing Kara) This is my friend, Kara. (Talking to Kara)

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives My brother, the biggest nerd I know, plans to throw a party! Juanita, who is only five feet tall, is a fine gymnast. My brother Carl, whom I think you know, is sixteen today. He must, of course, pay his fine. He will, however, serve his time. We have, therefore, been vindicated. The game, as you remember, was a tie. A new method of scoring, we decided, was necessary. S appositive V

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives Different types of appositives: Adjective Clauses: (describes) Sally, whom you met at last night's dance, wants to know if you found her purse. Participial Phrases: (describes) Mr. Duffy, named as college counselor in 1985, has been promoted to Duke of Students. Adjective Phrases: (describes) Fred, green with envy, refused to acknowledge Harvey's mastery of the game of Yahtze. Noun appositives look like this: Jim, sheriff of Monroe County, wanted to question the witness.

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives Do not set off essential clauses!!! Essential clauses are necessary to the meaning of the sentence. Example: The house that has green shutters is at the corner of Elm and Maple. vs. My house, which has green shutters, is at the corner of Elm and Maple. ESSENTIAL? NONESSENTIAL?

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives The trick with these phrases and clauses is that they should be enclosed in commas only if they are non-restrictive or non-essential. This means only if they are not vital to the meaning of the sentence. If the phrase and clause helps to single out one of many possibilities, then it is vital or important to the meaning of the sentence: Essential: The girl whom you met at the dance last night wants to know if you found her purse. [This clause is essential because it singles out one girl from all the girls at the dance.] Non-Essential: Jane, whom you met at the dance last night, wants to know if you found her purse. [This clause is non-essential because it does not single out one girl. We know from the start that Jane is the girl.]

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives Which one is true? #1: Boys who act like jerks never win. #2: Boys, who act like jerks, never win. WHY? Boys never win. Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives PRACTICE… Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where needed. Taking notes I believe helps you study for tests. The man with the red hat was very funny. (essential) Jerry, who has a red hat, was very funny.(Not essential) 2. Create your own example sentence. ________________________________________ ________________________________________

COMMA RULE #5 Names in Direct Address Use commas to set off nouns in direct address. A noun in direct address is the name or title of a person being spoken to. Example: Mrs. Barnhart, I love learning grammar! I want to learn more about commas, Tracy, so I can be the best writer!

COMMA RULE #5, CONT. Names in Direct Address Direct addresses may come at the beginning, the middle, or the end of a sentence. Madam, your package has arrived. We are ready, Ms. Wright, to deliver it. Do you want us to attack, Colonel?

COMMA RULE #5, CONT. Names in Direct Address Where do the commas go in the following sentences? Claire have you ever traveled on a ship? I have traveled to Alaska Mr. Hess on a cruise ship. Are you ready to eat Bryan?

COMMA RULE #5, CONT. Names in Direct Address Which ones are correct? A. Ms. Feltes you are the greatest teacher ever! B. Ms. Feltes, you are the greatest teacher ever! C. You are the greatest teacher ever, Ms. Feltes! D. You are the greatest teacher ever Ms. Feltes ! E. You are, Ms. Feltes the greatest teacher ever! F. You are Ms. Feltes, the greatest teacher ever! G. You are, Ms. Feltes, the greatest teacher ever! Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #5, CONT. Names in Direct Address PRACTICE… Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where needed. Excuse me Mister where is West Elm Street? Did you enjoy your trip down the Ohio River Dale? 2. Create your own example sentence. _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Homework: Worksheet practice-QUIZ TOMORROW Use your Comma Rule Guide to insert commas in the following sentences. Be sure to use the “comma insert” proofreading symbol. Write the rule number that explains why the comma is needed in front of each of the sentences. 1. 4 Most people, naturally, would love to see Bigfoot. 2. 5 “Well done, my lad,” said the captain. 3. _____No one I think has sighted a Bigfoot on a subway train. 4. _____Beth Laural and Heather wrote a report on Lock Ness. 5. _____ As a matter of fact I was about to do my homework. 6. _____No one knows if Bigfoot is a man a myth or a monster. 7. _____This fish it was thought had been extinct for 70 million years. 8. _____In the Amazon I read somewhere there is a bird whose chicks have claws on its wings. 9. _____On the first Saturday in June the pool will open. … Comma Rules 1-5: 1. Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. 2. Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word or phrase. 3. Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. 4. Use a comma to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. 5. Use a comma or commas to set off names in direct address.  

COMMA RULE #6 Compound Sentences Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence. A compound sentence is a sentence that combines two simple sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Steve opened the door, and the dog ran out. simple sentence simple sentence

COMMA RULE #6, CONT. Compound Sentences Coordinating Conjunctions For And Nor But Or Yet So Hey! That spells FANBOYS!!!

Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence A sentence that contains two simple sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. A coordinating conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. FAN BOYS Conjunctions for and nor but or yet so Key Concepts: This slide explains the structure of a compound sentence and the role of a conjunction. An easy method for remembering the seven coordinating conjunctions is the acronym “fan boys.” Click mouse at the end of the first column. Click mouse at the end of the conjunction list to reveal the acronym.

COMMA RULE #6, CONT. Compound Sentences Find the coordinating conjunctions in the following sentences: The theater rehearsed in the morning, and they performed the play in the afternoon. You can take the elevator, or you can walk up the stairs to the third floor. I could take the train downtown, yet I will still be late for the presentation. You may arrive early to the performance, but you will still have to wait outside.

COMMA RULE #6, CONT. Compound Sentences A common mistake: This morning Maria planted vegetables and, this afternoon she planted fruit trees. This morning Maria planted vegetables, and this afternoon she planted fruit trees.

COMMA RULE #6, CONT. Compound Sentences Add commas where needed in the following sentences: Julia read the book but Alex saw the movie. The baby whined and cried so his mother comforted him. My coach helps me during the week and my mother works with me over the weekend. I thought the test was easy yet I still did poorly.

COMMA RULE #6, CONT. Compound Sentences PRACTICE… 1. Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where needed. The boys played football and the girls cheered on the sideline. The weather man said it would rain today so I brought my umbrella with me. 2. Create your own example sentence. _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the conjunction. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. S V conj. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. S V Example: This slide exemplifies the location of a comma in a compound sentence, before the coordinating conjunction. The facilitator may ask participants to identify the subjects, verbs, and conjunction in the example. Click after example sentence appears to reveal parts of speech.

Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence Where would you place the comma in the following sentence? Example: This slide provides participants with an opportunity to locate the correct position for the comma within the sample sentence. The facilitator may also invite students to identify the subjects, verbs, and conjunction in the sentence. Click mouse after sample sentence to reveal the comma. Click mouse after the comma to reveal parts of speech. Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him. Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him. S V conj. S V

Sentence Structure: Pattern for the Compound Sentence We see these as sentences with a pattern: SV, conj. SV He journeyed a long way, for his home was across the ocean. S V ,conj. S V Example: This slide provides participants with an opportunity to locate the correct position for the comma within the sample sentence. The facilitator may also invite students to identify the subjects, verbs, and conjunction in the sentence. Click mouse after sample sentence to reveal the comma. Click mouse after the comma to reveal parts of speech. I built a very strong boat, yet it still sunk to the ground. S V ,conj. S V Dan struggled with his homework, so his father helped him.

A Common Comma Error: The Comma Splice A comma splice is an error in which two sentences are joined by a comma. No conjunction is written!!! We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon. S V S V Key Concepts: One of the most prevalent comma errors is the comma splice—the placement of a comma between two independent clauses. The Internet has revolutionized the business world, S V online sales have increased dramatically this year. S V

To Correct a Comma Splice Insert a conjunction between the two sentences. -Or- start a new sentence. -Or- insert a semi-colon between the two sentences. We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon. We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon. We had a nice time; I hope we can meet again soon. Key Concepts: This slide enumerates several methods for correcting comma splices. The examples listed here are corrections of the comma splices in the previous slide.

COMMA RULE #7 In Letters Use a comma after the salutation (greeting) of a friendly letter and after the closing of a friendly and a business letter Dear Ben, Your friend, Sincerely, Bethany Natalia Gomez

COMMA RULE #7, CONT. In Letters A common mistake: Dear, Morgan Your, friend Dear Morgan, Your friend,

COMMA RULE #8 To Prevent Misreading Use a comma to prevent misreading. Instead of two five teachers made the trip. Instead of two, five teachers made the trip. In the field below the brook gurgled merrily. In the field below, the brook gurgled merrily.

COMMA RULE #8, CONT. To Prevent Misreading Where do you think the comma should go in the following sentences? Until the week before Dad’s birthday shopping hadn’t seemed like a priority. To get through a tunnel must be built. After the ribbon cutting ceremony was over the bridge was officially opened.  After washing and grooming the dog was ready for the show.  When violently angry elephants trumpet.  From inside the house appeared much smaller.

Rules 6-8 Homework Writer’s Choice Review rules p Rules 6-8 Homework Writer’s Choice Review rules p. 493 complete exercises 4 & 5 on p.494 Purdue University Writing Lab

Homework Review Practice Worksheet Rules 6-8 DUE TOMORROW QUIZ TOMORROW Purdue University Writing Lab

HOMEWORK Use your Comma Rule Guide to insert commas in the following sentences. Be sure to use the “comma insert” proofreading symbol. Write the rule number that explains why the comma is needed in front of each of the sentences. 1. _____Dear Aunt Millie   2. _____Instead of New York Boston was our choice.   3. _____Hakeem weeded the garden and his mom picked the vegetables.   4. _____Felipe’s first language is Spanish and Andre speaks French.   5. _____Instead of twelve six players got new uniforms. Comma Rules 6-8: 6. Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in a compound sentence. 7. Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of both a friendly letter and a business letter. 8. Use a comma to prevent misreading.   Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #9 In Dates No Commas! Use a comma before and after the year when it is used with both the month and the day. The ship struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank early the next morning. Do not use a comma if only the month and the year or the month and the day are given. The ship sank in April 1912 on its first voyage. The ship sailed on April 14 in the morning. No Commas!

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Where do the commas belong in the following examples? The Declaration of Independence was actually signed by the delegates in August 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ryan reminded his cousins, “My eleventh birthday party will be April 11 2002 at the skating rink.” Ona left Charleston, South Carolina, when she was ten, and she did not return until October 18 2002 in the evening.

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Writers, even adults, usually forget to put the comma after the date in a sentence. Think about how you can remember to put the comma after the date if the sentence continues. Ms. Feltes changed the world when she was born on October 3, 1972, at 2:29 pm.

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Why do you think there are no commas if just the month and year are written? My brother David was born September 1975 in the middle of the night. What about if just the month and day are written? Why isn’t there a comma here? My sister Lauren was born July 26 after our family summer picnic.

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Dates actually can have four parts to them… 1. The day of the week. 2. The month. 3. The number of the day on the calendar. 4. The year On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant test over comma rules.

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Another thought: There is no comma between the year and B.C. or the year and A.D. On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant test over comma rules. Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Consider the differences in the following: On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant test over comma rules. There will be a giant test over comma rules on Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D. There will be a giant test over comma rules on a Friday on March 9, 2012 A.D. There will be a giant test over comma rules on a Friday in March 2012 A.D.

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates Practice: 1.

COMMA RULE #10 In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries Use commas before and after the name of a state or country when it is used with the name of a city. In Las Vegas, Nevada, we… DO NOT use a comma after the state if the state name is followed by a zip code. Las Vegas, Nevada 89052

COMMA RULE #10, CONT. In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries The ship was sailing from Southampton, England, to New York City. You can write to Leeza at 15 College Court, Stanford, CA 94305. The cattle were herded along the Chisholm Trail from San Antonio, Texas, to Abilene, Kansas.

COMMA RULE #10, CONT. In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries

COMMA RULE #10, CONT. In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries

COMMA RULE #10, CONT. In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries

COMMA RULE #10, CONT. In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries

COMMA RULE #11 Abbreviated Titles Ph.D. D.D.S. B.S. Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off an abbreviated title (except Jr. and Sr.) or a degree following a person’s name. Dr. Mitchell Bowers, DVM, wrote… M.A. V.I.P. D.V.M. F.B.I. M.D. M.V.P.

COMMA RULE #11, CONT. Abbreviated Titles Michelle Nakumura, Ph.D., will be the graduation speaker. Latisha Davis, M.D., is our family physician.

COMMA RULE #11, CONT. Abbreviated Titles

COMMA RULE #11, CONT. Abbreviated Titles

COMMA RULE #11, CONT. Abbreviated Titles

COMMA RULE #11, CONT. Abbreviated Titles

COMMA RULE #12 When too means “also” Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off too when too means “also”. I want to shop at Macy's, too. I, too, want to shop at Macy's. I want to shop, too, while we're out. Do not use commas with too when to means “excess”. The prices at Macy’s were too high. I was too tired to shop at Macy’s

COMMA RULE #12, CONT. When too means “also”

COMMA RULE #12, CONT. When too means “also”

COMMA RULE #13 Direct Quotations

COMMA RULE #13, CONT. Direct Quotations

COMMA RULE #13, CONT. Direct Quotations

COMMA RULE #13, CONT. Direct Quotations

COMMA RULE #13, CONT. Direct Quotations

COMMA RULE #13, CONT. Direct Quotations

Commas in Quotations Follow your rules for dialogue punctuation. If the He said comes first, place the comma after said. He said, “I know Kung Fu.” If the he said comes after the quote, place the comma inside the quotation marks after the last word in the quotation. “I’ll dance with you,” he said.

Commas in Quotations If the he said comes in the middle of the quote, place the comma inside the quotation marks after the last word in the first part of the quote and after the he said. “Put the box,” he said, “in the house.”

COMMA RULE #14 Commas with adjectives Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. THE TEST: Can you put “and” between the adjectives? Can they be described in reverse order? If so, use a comma. Key Concepts: Students often find comma placement between adjectives to be tricky. The key is to determine if the adjectives are equal—meaning that they modify the noun in the same capacity. Adjectives of size and quantity are generally considered to be unequal to adjectives of character or quality. Placing “and” between adjectives or reversing the order of adjectives are good tests to determine if a comma is needed. big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, ungrateful man