Welcome to Commas in a Series Thelma T. Hickman Third Grade CACS

The Comma The comma is known as a frequently misused troublemaker

What a Comma Does separates items in a series indicates a small pause separating two main ideas indicates a small pause separating two main ideas used between city and state and after state used between city and state and after state separates name and title separates name and title this lesson

Commas in a Series Use commas between items in a series: Use commas between items in a series: between words: between words: –We have a dog, cat, and goldfish. between phrases: between phrases: –You can look at trucks, buy one, and start making payments. between clauses: between clauses: –Yikes! What are clauses?

What are clauses? Clauses are a group of words expressing a thought. Clauses are a group of words expressing a thought. A complete sentence (subject and verb) is one kind of clause. A complete sentence (subject and verb) is one kind of clause. –It is called an independent clause. –My dog chased Tommy all the way home. But, clauses do not have to be a complete sentence (see next slide). But, clauses do not have to be a complete sentence (see next slide).

More about clauses Some clauses do not express a complete thought even though they have a subject and verb. Some clauses do not express a complete thought even though they have a subject and verb. –They are called subordinate clauses –when we get home / after the dog bit me –although it was raining / before the cops came Notice none of them can stand alone and make complete sense. Notice none of them can stand alone and make complete sense.

So, commas can separate a series of clauses Separate subordinate clauses: Separate subordinate clauses: –You get your rent deposit back once you clean the apartment, after you pay the utilities, and when you turn in your keys. Separate independent clauses: Separate independent clauses: –You get your rent deposit back after you clean the apartment, you pay the utilities, and you turn in your keys.

Review - Commas in a Series Separate words: Separate words: –I want an Arctic Cat with fuel injection, electric start, and ice studs. Separate phrases: Separate phrases: –The bread looks good, smells delicious, and tastes great.

Review - Commas in a Series Separate subordinate clauses: Separate subordinate clauses: –I will post your final grade after you turn in all work, when I get everything corrected, and before Christmas arrives. Separate independent clauses: Separate independent clauses: –You must think like a winner, you must practice until you drop, and you must always eat your spinach.

One Last Time... Commas separate items in a series Commas separate items in a series Separate words: dog, cat, and fish Separate words: dog, cat, and fish Separate phrases: pick up paper, wash the dishes, and feed the dog Separate phrases: pick up paper, wash the dishes, and feed the dog Separate subordinate clauses: before you go to school, after you milk the cows, and when the bus comes Separate subordinate clauses: before you go to school, after you milk the cows, and when the bus comes Separate independent clauses (no example) Separate independent clauses (no example)

A word about the last comma The last comma in a series is optional, but I would recommend you use it to avoid confusion The last comma in a series is optional, but I would recommend you use it to avoid confusion –Please pick up milk, juice, and eggs when you go to town.