Commas! By Ms. Kiernan 

Why are commas so important?

Rule #1: To separate items in a series. The bird flapped its wings, sang a song, and flew away. The man was tall, dark, and handsome.

Rule #2: After mild interjections or introductory words. Yes, I admit that I love Justin Bieber. Donna, would you get the door?

Rule #3: To separate an introductory phrase. In the middle of the race, the car blew out a tire. Looking up from her magazine, she smiled at me across the room.

Rule #4: To separate a dependent clause from an independent clause in a complex sentence. Since you were sick, I made chicken soup.

Rule #5: To set off a parenthetical or an appositive phrase. The woman, the one with blonde hair, was reading a book. The boy, however, was unhappy.

Rule #6: To set off geographical names and items in dates. On March 26, 1874, Robert Frost was born. You live in Smithtown, New York.

Rule #7: To set off or end a quotation. The teacher said, “Always study your grammar!” “Always study your grammar,” said the teacher.

Rule #8: To join the two clauses of a compound sentence. I had planned to come, but I have changed my mind. Sean went to the party; however, he couldn’t stay for long.

Practice Pg. 229, #1-10: Find 19 missing commas Write the word before and after each missing comma, and add the comma.

Rule #9: Avoid Comma Splices NEVER use only a comma to join two complete sentences together. Ex.) The sun is out, I will go to the beach. Add in a conjunction instead. Better example: The sun is out; therefore, I will go to the beach.

Practice Pg. 231, #1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Add commas, as needed, to clarify sentences. Revise sentences that contain comma splices.