Commas in a series or list Comma Rule #1 Commas in a series or list

Commas in a Series or List Use a comma to set off the elements of a series (three or more things), including the last two. My favorite uses of the Internet are sending e-mail, surfing the Web, and using chat rooms. You may have learned that this comma is not necessary. Sometimes, however, the last two items in your series misinterpreted if you don’t use the so-called serial comma.

Take a look at your foldable (TAB 5)

Another reason why you should use the Oxford Comma!

Use commas to separate adjectives, too. Do the AND test! Use a comma to separate adjectives If you can change the order of the adjectives and it still makes sense, then a comma is needed! If you can place and or but between the adjectives, then a comma is needed! I ate the old stale bread. I ate the old and stale bread. I ate the old, stale bread.

Separating adjectives Coaches grew weary of running practices in the drafty, dreary, dilapidated gymnasium. Sometimes there are more than two adjectives! These must be separated with a comma if the AND test works and the order of the words can be switched up.

To comma or not to comma First Do the AND test: Five and flashy and sports cars passed by. If you are still unsure, mix up the order of the adjectives. If the sentence loses meaning, then no comma is needed. Five flashy sports cars passed by. Five sports flashy cars passed by. Sports flashy five cars passed by.

To comma or not to comma Michael’s faded ragged jeans were inappropriate for the job interview. Michael’s faded and ragged jeans were... Michael’s ragged faded jeans… Michael’s faded, ragged jeans were inappropriate for the job interview.

On the top flap of your comma rule section (#5), please draw the following chart. Original Example Formula 1. noun +, noun + , and noun (verbs and adjectives also apply) 2. 3. 4.

Comma Rule #2 (Before Coordinating Conjunctions) Comma Rule #2: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction to separate two independent clauses. FANBOYS I like to go shopping at the mall , and I like to eat at The Cheesecake Factory while I’m there.

Highlight this rule in your foldable!

Comma Before Coordinating Rule #2 Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. The public seems eager for some kind of gun control legislation, but congress is obviously too timid to do something about it. The public seems eager for some kind of gun control legislation but too timid to do something about it.

To comma or not to comma…

On the top flap of your comma rule section (#5), please draw the following chart. Original Example Formula 1. noun +, noun + , and noun (verbs and adjectives also apply) 2. complete sentence + , FANBOYS + complete sentence 3. 4.

Comma Rule #3 (After introductory phrase/clause) Put a comma after an introductory (dependent) clause at the beginning of a sentence. What is a dependent clause? A phrase that has a subject and verb, but isn’t a sentence because it begins with a hanging word What is a hanging word?

Rule #3 cont… Hanging words: Since Although Because Before After If When Etc. Hint: Cover up the hanging word, and it should make sense up to the comma.

After I left the school, I went home. Comma Rule #3 cont. Put a comma after an introductory (dependent) clause at the beginning of a sentence. Cover up the hanging word. The sentence should make sense up to the comma. Because they were anxious about the upcoming winter, settlers began to bicker among themselves about supplies. After they made it through the winter of 1944, nearly half the settlers died of starvation or exposure. After I left the school, I went home.

On the top flap of your comma rule section (#5), please draw the following chart. Original Example Formula 1. noun +, noun + , and noun (verbs and adjectives also apply) 2. complete sentence + , FANBOYS + complete sentence 3. incomplete sentence + , complete sentence 4.

Comma Rule #4 (Appositives) Commas are used to explain who or what a noun is Dr. Sevilla, who is a multi-awarded scientist, has been a Dean in the college of Science. His pet project, which is about stem cells, will be presented in a research congress. Jogging, which is a strenuous exercise, is only for the fit. Macaroni and cheese, which is delicious, is on the menu for tonight.

Appositive at the end of a sentence Our family enjoyed our week at our favorite vacation spot, Hawaii. In the evening we chat with our neighbors in our front yard, the prettiest on the block.

On the top flap of your comma rule section (#5), please draw the following chart. Original Example Formula 1. noun +, noun + , and noun (verbs and adjectives also apply) 2. complete sentence + , FANBOYS + complete sentence 3. incomplete sentence + , complete sentence 4. noun + , explanation, (*sometimes the appositive at the end, meaning you’ll only need one comma)