Commas Da, da, dum, dum, duuum!! This set of slides will illustrate the most common uses of one of the most common punctuation marks: THE COMMA

Comma Rule #1 Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. TRICK: Use one comma fewer than the # of items! My favorite uses of the Internet are sending e-mail, surfing the Web, and using Facebook (not really). You may have learned that this comma is not necessary—it is! Please use it! Thanks! 

Comma Rule #1 - Practice , , , I like to go hiking fishing swimming and camping during summer. , , I have to clean my room walk the dog and take out the trash. , , I need to visit my mother wash my car and buy six stamps.

expensive but modern = expensive, modern Comma Rule #2 Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives that modify the same noun. Coaches grew weary of running practices in the drafty, dreary, dilapidated gymnasium. The designs for an expensive, modern gym should make them happy. TRICK: If you could put a but or an and between the adjectives, you should put a comma between them. expensive but modern = expensive, modern But not “a little and old house.” “A little old house” would be correct (WITHOUT THE COMMA).

Think: Can “and” OR “but” fit between the two adjectives? Comma Rule #2 Practice Think: Can “and” OR “but” fit between the two adjectives? , They started a colorful in-depth discussion about toads. Erwin had not seen many large toads that year. No comma needed. , Kate’s graceless overbearing brother interrupted her thinking process.

Comma Rule #3 (Coordinating Conjunctions - FANBOYS) Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. TRICK: FANBOYS! + = correct sentence , CC word Dilbert turned into a giant cockroach, yet he looked exactly the same.

Comma Rule #3 Practice Rocky, my orange tomcat, loves having his head scratched but he hates getting his claws trimmed. , , I am smarter than my brother yet he still got a higher grade on the test. I like strawberry and chocolate ice cream. No comma needed.