Using Commas! English 9

** A comma CANNOT join two sentences ** A comma is used to separate words that do not go together. ** A comma CANNOT join two sentences **

Comma Rules 1. Separate items in a series Examples: (single words or groups of words) Examples: He is a dancer, a singer, and an actor. I think that I will do well in English, great in math, and poorly in BBT. I went to the concert, Billy stayed home, and our parents headed to our sister’s hockey game.

Comma Rules 3. When there are two or more adjectives together before noun, use commas between them Examples: She is a strong, intelligent player. The vet treated the cold, sick dog. Hint: Try putting the word ‘and’ between the adjectives; if it sounds normal, a comma is required Example: The blue Toyota truck just pulled out of the yard.

Comma Rules 4. Use a comma to separate an introductory word, long phrase, or dependent clause from the rest of the sentence (when a fragment begins a sentence) Examples: Yes, I will go to the dance tonight. Well, he wasn’t really sure if it was the right thing to do. In the summer of 1974, four men began an unforgettable journey across Canada.

Comma Rules 4. Use a comma to separate an introductory word, long phrase, or dependent clause from the rest of the sentence (when a fragment begins a sentence) Examples: Around 6 p.m. on Thursday night, there was a huge noise outside my front door. After she left the room, the students began talking. Even though it wasn’t funny, the girl could not stop laughing.

Comma Rules 5. Use a comma to separate an interruptor or explanatory phrase from the rest of the sentence could be in middle or at the end Examples: The game, in my opinion, was boring. Joe Smith, who was born in Denver, is a huge hockey fan. Joe Smith was born in Denver, the biggest city in Colorado.

Comma Rules 6. Use a comma to set off a noun of direct address basically, use a comma to show you are speaking to someone Examples: Tony, put your chair up. Students, listen to the person speaking. In the hallway, Mark, is a package for you. Will you please stop making that noise, Bill?

Comma Rules 7. Use a comma to separate a quotation Examples: Commas go to the left of the quotation marks. Examples: She said, “Hey.” “It’s too late,” Tony pleaded. “Have you,” Angela asked, “ever been there before?” Hint: Keep Beyonce’s “Irreplacable” in mind when punctuating quotes – To the left, to the left, all the punctuation in the space to the left.

Comma Rules 8. Use a comma to communicate dates and places Examples: December 27, 1977 (between day and year) Sussex, New Brunswick (between town and province) Friday, December 27 (between day and month) New Brunswick, Canada (between province and country)

Comma Rules Use a comma for the greeting and salutations in a friendly letter Examples: Dear Rick, Sincerely, Yours truly, Hey Carl,

Comma Rules 11. Connect two complete sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction This makes a compound sentence Examples: I think that the government should keep the legal driving age at 16, but my father disagrees with me. The team played great on the weekend, so the coaches decided to buy them pizza.

Comma Rules Remember though, you will not use a comma before a coordinating conjunction if you are not joining two complete sentences. Examples: I like to eat peanut butter and jam. I remembered to do my homework but just didn’t have time to finish it all.