Using Commas Why are commas important? Items in a series Independent clauses Introductory elements Interrupters Conventional uses of commas Review A Review B

Why are commas important? Commas help make the meaning of a sentence clear by setting apart elements in the sentence. Too many commas can clutter a sentence and confuse readers. Problem: Unnecessary commas Amy, and I put a DVD, and a fashion catalog, in the time capsule, and, then, our friend, Jack, added a miniature, flashlight.

Why are commas important? Missing commas may also confuse readers. Problem: Missing commas Derek Lucia and Ben are making spaghetti squash spinach salad and garlic bread for dinner. Is Derek being spoken to, or is he one of the people making dinner? Are they making spaghetti squash? Or spaghetti and also squash? Are they making a spinach salad? Or spinach and also a salad?

Why are commas important? With commas placed correctly, the meaning of the sentence is now clear. Derek, Lucia, and Ben are making spaghetti, squash, spinach salad, and garlic bread for dinner. [End of Section]

Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series. Words in a series She had been a correspondent for the wire service in London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid. Phrases in a series I studied for the test on the way to school, during homeroom, and in study hall.

Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series. Clauses in a series The reporter wanted to know who I was, where I went to school, and how I felt about getting my driver’s license.

Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series. Short independent clauses I drove to the store, I bought the groceries, and I drove right home. Two or more adjectives preceding a noun Did you see that boring, silly, worthless movie?

Items in a series Add commas where needed in the following sentences. On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. My father has worked as a teacher a librarian and a computer programmer. Should we go to the mall to the park or to Yoko’s house? Mel washed the dishes took out the trash and mowed the huge overgrown front yard. [End of Section]

Independent clauses Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses. We looked for seats, but the subway car was crowded. Amy followed the recipe carefully, for she had never made paella before. The sky looks clear, yet rain has been forecast.

Independent clauses On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. Quilting is a practical folk art and it is also a relaxing and enjoyable pastime. They did not go to sleep nor did they stop talking that first night in the college dorm. I knew my part well and was prepared yet I felt nervous about opening night. [End of Section]

Introductory elements Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements. Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or why Well, have you come up with a plan for this evening? Introductory words such as yes and no Yes, I want to finish my birdhouse.

Introductory elements Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements. Introductory participial phrases Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the podium. Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one. Near the beginning of the trail, the scout leader found an overturned canoe.

Introductory elements Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements. Introductory adverb clauses As he turned the key, the engine started.

Introductory elements On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. Sleeping soundly Ben did not hear the car pull away. Why those flowers are just beautiful, aren’t they? By the end of the second day of school Josie had already made several new friends. 4. If you want to volunteer for the Special Olympics sign up here. [End of Section]

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Nonessential clauses or phrases Marie Curie, who studied radioactivity, won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911. Nonessential clause The kitten, frightened by the thunder, jumped into my lap. Nonessential phrase

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases The Jacobs’ cat, Sophie, is shy around new people. Nonessential appositive Tyrell, my oldest nephew, plays the saxophone. Nonessential appositive phrase

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Direct address Everyone, do you have your artworks ready to turn in? Your painting, Andy, is very original. Please show us your sketches, Amanda.

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Parenthetical expressions On the contrary, exercise is usually relaxing. My grandfather, by the way, created these colorful sand paintings. Jameson was the first of the seniors to solve the puzzle, naturally.

Interrupters Add commas where needed in the following sentences. On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. 1. Have you seen Mr. Welch our new accounting teacher? 2. The Youngstown Greek Festival which includes food and dancing is a popular local event. 3. Please listen class while Jim makes an announcement. 4. His mother by the way is a physics professor. [End of Section]

Conventional uses of commas Use commas in certain conventional situations. Separate items in dates and addresses On Monday, January 28, 2008, I bought my pet guinea pig. They have lived at 108 Griffith Lane, Bethesda, Maryland, for ten years.

Conventional uses of commas Use commas in certain conventional situations. After the salutation of a personal letter Dear Dale and Amy, My dear Jessica, After the closing of any letter Sincerely yours, Warmest regards,

Conventional uses of commas Use commas in certain conventional situations. Abbreviations such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons’ names Our guest speaker today is Lauren Henson, M.D. Peter Grundel, Jr., has made several documentary films.

Conventional uses of commas On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. The Reyes family is moving to 1410 Tara Drive Greensboro North Carolina. The letter began, “Dear Georgina How have you been?” On August 27 2011 the new museum will have its grand opening. 4. Cecile Wong M.D. is our family doctor. [End of Section]

Review A Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the commas where needed. _____ 1. The waiting room was decorated in warm subtle earth tones so I felt relaxed there. _____ 2. Everyone wanted to know who he was what he wanted and how long he intended to stay. _____ 3. People who are overly nervous may not make good drivers. _____ 4. If we are going to finish on time we will need more volunteers I believe. [End of Section]

Review B Add commas where necessary in the following sentences. Before the start of the concert the musicians tuned their instruments. Geometry which I took last year was not an easy subject for me. The letter was dated June 16 2008 and was mailed from Washington D.C. Hoping to meet Oprah Winfrey we got tickets to a taping of her show. John Buse the president of our class asked me to sell tickets for the benefit concert. [End of Section]

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