Signal Words Smile. It will be over before you know it.

 This comma rule requires a bit more effort on your part  Now just calm down, and it will be over in a few minutes.

Come at the beginning of the sentence Include words such as… When If Since Although Whenever “–ING” words like Going, Writing, etc. Infinitives (“To…dance, sing, play”) Pay Attention!

 Let’s try again…  A “signal word” signals you to the possibility that you will need a comma  Signal words are always at the beginning of the sentence  All words ending in “-ing” are signal words  An infinitive (To …) is also a signal word  There are LOTS of signal words…

The more you use them, the easier they will be to recognize…  When  Since  If  Although  Whenever  Because  After  Before Wearing a wig will not help. I still know you’re my student, and you have to learn this stuff.

Whenever John eats salami and whole wheat bread, he always gets gas. Since I shaved my head for swimming, I have been swimming faster. I’ve also grown fins. Growing up with a pack of wild giraffes, I’ve learned to adapt to harsh circumstances.

1. Signal word at the beginning 2. The signal word introduces an introductory phrase 3. The introductory phrase 5+ words 4. Your voice naturally tends to “stop and drop” at the end of the phrase 5. You can remove the introductory “stop and drop” phrase, and the rest of the sentence can stand alone. Whoa, Dude. This is way too much info.

1. Signal word at the beginning 2. The signal word introduces an introductory phrase 3. The introductory phrase 5+ words 4. Your voice naturally tends to “stop and drop” at the end of the phrase 5. You ONLY use the comma if the “rest of the sentence” can stand alone Whenever Ms. C says it’s almost over, it usually never is! 1. Whenever = signal word 2. Introductory phrase is usually 5+ words 3. Voice stops and drops at end of phrase 4. Remove the introductory phrase = It usually never is! 5. S = V = stand alone/independent

Since Margie got her new glasses, she can see much better.

Playing his new electric guitar and singing at the top of his lungs makes Joey feel great.

If I could just get back to texting, I feel sure I’d be happier.

Ever since little Ralphie watched Scarface, he has been terribly violent.

 But you have to decide if you need the comma or not.  If you do need a comma, it comes AFTER the introductory “stop and drop” phrase.  Hey, I just wrote one. Cool. Can you see it?

Do you spy a “signal word”? Does the sentence make sense without the introductory phrase?  To stay in shape for competition athletes must exercise every day.  Barking insistently, Smokey got us to throw his ball for him.  A popular and well respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor.  The wind blowing violently, the townspeople began to seek shelter.  After the adjustment for inflation, real wages have decreased while corporate profits have grown.  Preparing and submitting his report to the committee for evaluation and possible publication was one of the most difficult tasks Bill had ever attempted.  Before the curtain fell, the actors bowed.  If the next two nights are sellouts, the play will be extended.  Under the kitchen table the dog cowered.  Under the spreading chestnut tree, the village smithy stands.

Yep. I know you thought I forgot the little quiz part, but here it is…

Time for a little test 1.Every time Matilda watches little House on the Prairie she fantasizes about milking cows. 2.Singing and dancing are Tom’s favorite hobbies. 3.Watching the sun set over the horizon I was reminded that I had not flossed my teeth. 4.Because Tina was a vulgar and crass girl who imitated Jersey Shore characters nobody wanted to date her. 5.Whenever Waldo ate soup he slurped. 6.Even if you were the last man on earth I wouldn’t date you. 7.After the storm the clouds parted. 8.Since returning from her vacation in Greece my best friend cannot stop eating olive oil.