Punctuation and Grammar The Comma: Punctuation and Grammar Rhythm and Flow Part II Direct Address Separate Adjectives Interruptions Appositives Explanatory Phrases Dialogue Name: _____________________

Students will understand that the comma is a useful and necessary Students will understand that using commas will allow them to vary sentence structure in their writing. Students will understand that the comma is a useful and necessary punctuation mark with a wide variety of grammatical functions. Students will understand that the comma allows the reader to judge rhythm, direction, pace, and flow of writing.

How can I use commas to create more interesting sentences? How do writes vary sentence structure? How can I use commas to create more interesting sentences? How does the comma allow readers to judge rhythm, direction, pace, and flow of writing? Why is the comma such a useful and necessary punctuation mark?

Direct Address Lenny, I’ve been expecting you since Friday Direct Address Lenny, I’ve been expecting you since Friday . We have been expecting you, Lenny. Of course, Lenny, we have been expecting you. Rule Use commas to separate a noun of direct address (the person being spoken to) from the rest of the sentence.

Direct Address Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Separate Adjectives The huge, furry dog chased him over the fence and into the pool. Rule Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun. EXAMPLE: There are plenty of nutritious, edible plants in the world. (nutritious and edible are separated by a comma because they modify plants equally. NO COMMA NEEDED EXAMPLE: We may eat many unusual plants in the years to come. TESTS: Use one of these tests to see if the adjectives modify equally: 1.Switch the order of the adjectives. If the sentence is still clear, the adjectives modify equally. 2.Put the word and between the adjectives. If the sentence is clear, the adjectives modify equally.

Separate Adjectives Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Interruptions Aunt Roselyn, of course, would not wear the parrot costume. George, therefore, had to leave the drugstore in a hurry. Rule Use commas to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main part of a sentence. Words or phrases that you can use to interrupt main thoughts: for example to be sure moreover however as a matter of fact in fact of course therefore specifically Tests 1. Take out the word or phrase. The meaning of the sentence should not change. 2. Move the word or phrase to another part of the sentence. The meaning should not change.

Interruptions Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Appositives Jen, the craziest kid in our class, scored the most points. Rule Use a comma to set off appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase that is another way of saying the noun or pronoun before it. Mr. O’Neil, our history teacher, says that it is important to understand the U.S. Constitution.

Appositives Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Explanatory Phrases Timothy, who lives in New York, has his own ice cream company. Rule Use a comma to set off an explanatory phrase from the rest of the sentence. (Explanatory means helping to explain.) Ex: Sebastian, back from his visit to Florida, told us all about the trip.

Explanatory Phrases Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Dialogue Beginning Sentence “Today must be Tuesday,” she muttered. Rule Use a comma to set off the words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence. If you are telling what someone said or thought but are not using the person’s exact words, do not use commas or quotation marks. Jim told me long ago that he would move to California.

Dialogue Beginning Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Dialogue Ending a Sentence Then he asked, “How did you get here without a balloon?” Rule Use a comma to set off the words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence. If you are telling what someone said or thought but are not using the person’s exact words, do not use commas or quotation marks. Jim told me long ago that he would move to California.

Dialogue at End Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Vary Your Sentence Structure:. pages 428-438 Commas: Vary Your Sentence Structure: pages 428-438 Commas: pages 482-489 Understanding Sentences: pages 560-566