Commas in a Series

What is a comma? A comma (,) tells a reader when to pause. Commas make sentences easier to understand, and can also change the meaning of a sentence altogether.

Using Commas in a Series A series is a list of three or more items in a sentence. A comma is used to separate the items. Beth, Ann, John, Paul, and I are in the same class. Beth Ann, John Paul, and I are in the same class.

Using Commas in a Series Sara writes poems, short stories, and plays. Her newest play will have two, three, or four characters. The play takes place under a tree, on a porch, and in a classroom. *Note: commas are used to separate all of the items listed, except for the last word, which is separated using a conjunction (and, or).

Where are commas needed? My class has written directed and produced a musical. Everyone will sing dance or play an instrument. The performances will be on Thursday Friday and Saturday. Karl Peter and Jim found props made scenery and planned the customes.

Commas could save lives! Let’s eat, kids! Let’s eat kids. Turkeys gobble, Grandma. Turkeys, gobble Grandma!

More Uses for Commas

Commas and Introductory Words Words such as yes, well, and no are called introductory words when they begin a sentence. When they start a sentence, put a comma after them. Well, it is time to do my homework.

Nouns in direct address The name of a person who is spoken to, or addressed, is called the noun in direct address. We use commas to make it stand out in the sentence. Maria, will you play the piano? Place your sheet music there, Maria. Thank you, Maria, for playing that song.

Where are commas needed? No I don’t know which instrument I should play Jo. Well do you like the trumpet trombone or tuba? Pedro I think you should try the trumpet. I can’t Jo because the music room is not open today.

Interjections

What is an interjection? An interjection is a word or words that show feeling or emotion. Common interjections: HurrayHey Oh, noWell Good Grief AhOopsWhew Okay OhOuchWow

Using Interjections If the interjection shows strong feeling, it stands alone and is followed by an exclamation point. Wow! What a great pitch! Good grief! That pitcher is outstanding! If it shows mild feeling, it begins the sentence and is followed by a comma. Ah, the breeze is nice. Well, let’s go sailing!

What are the interjections below? Hey, this boat needs a few repairs. Good grief! Can we repair it in time for the race? Oh, I hope so! Oops! The sail is torn. Whew! Someone remembered to bring the sewing box.

What is the missing punctuation? Ah there’s nothing like a windy day for a race. Well let’s get everything ready. Oh, no The race begins in an hour! Hurray The jackets are in the boat! Hey it’s getting windier.

Quotations

Using Quotation Marks A direct quotation gives a speaker’s exact words and is set off by quotation marks (“”). Hannah announced, “My aunt works in a fire tower.” Note: a comma separates the quote from the rest of the sentence; a capital letter begins the quotation, and there is end punctuation inside the quotation marks.

Using Quotation Marks “What a great job she has!” exclaimed Henry. “Do you know the time?” asked Pete. Note: the exclamation point and question mark are inside the quotation marks.

Using Quotation Marks “Do you think,” asked Henry, “that we could see the tower?” Note: a comma ends the first part of the quotation; a comma is put after Henry; the second part of the quotation is not capitalized; the end punctuation is inside the quotation marks. “I know that we can,” replied Hannah. “Let’s call my aunt.” Note: in this case, the second part of the quotation is beginning a new sentence so it is capitalized.

Fix the following: Jean asked was there a terrible earthquake in 1906 Peter replied yes, it happened in San Francisco Over the years said Jean the city has been rebuilt how beautiful san francisco is now exclaimed sara

Abbreviations

What is an abbreviation? An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word. Usually begins with a capital letter and ends with a period.

Common abbreviations Titles Mr. Mister Mrs. Married woman Ms. Any woman Dr. Doctor Jr. Junior Sr. Senior

Common abbreviations Businesses Co. Company Corp. Corporation Ltd. Limited Inc. Incorporated

Common abbreviations Days Tues. Tuesday Wed. Wednesday

Common abbreviations Months Feb. February Aug. August Ltd. Limited Inc. Incorporated

Common abbreviations Addresses Ave. Avenue Apt. Apartment Rte. Route P.O. Post Office

Common abbreviations States MI Michigan CA California TX Texas FL Florida OH Ohio

Titles

Writing Titles Capitalize the first, the last, and all important words. Do not capitalize words such as a, in, and, of, the… “The Ways of Trains” The Treasure Is the Rose

Writing Titles When titles are written in printed materials, they are italicized (Prince Caspian). They should be underlined when hand writing them (Prince Caspian).

Writing Titles Some titles are set off by quotation marks, especially short stories, poems, chapters, and songs. I recited the poem “Take Sky.” My sister showed me the article “Wonder of Words.”

How would the following titles be written? Cricket (magazine) Water life (book chapter) My side of the mountain (book) The los angeles times (newspaper) Endangered animals (article)