1. , , , , , , , , “Where does that comma go???” Let’s learn them all!
There are many different ways to use a comma! , , , ,
Let’s learn them all! , , ,

2. Let’s eat Grandpa! Let’s eat, Grandpa!
Commas Save Lives!
(LOL!!!)
For Example…
Ahhh!
Let’s eat Grandpa!
Let’s eat, Grandpa!

3. Commas Save Lives I love cooking my family and my pets.

4. , , , , , , , First of all… “What is a comma?”
Definition: Generally used to separate words or groups of words so that the meaning of the sentence is clear. , , , , ,
Apostrophes are at the top; commas are at the bottom!
Apostrophe , ,
Don’t get a comma confused with an apostrophe!

5. Rule #1: USE COMMAS FOR ITEMS IN A SERIES
Words, Phrases, and Clauses in a series are usually separated by commas to show the reader where one item in the series ends and the next begins.
Words in a Series:
In the early morning, the lake looked cold, gray, and calm.
On the boat, we took extra clothes, fishing poles, and some snacks.

6. A group of words that does not have a S & V together
Phrases in a Series , ,
Checking his shoelaces fastening his helmet strap and
positioning his kneepads Evan prepared for the
skateboarding competition. ,
What is a phrase again?!
Where do the commas go?
A group of words that does not have a S & V together

7. Clauses in a Series
The lights dimmed the curtain rose and the play began. , ,
We didn’t know where we were going how we would get there or when we would arrive. , ,
Where do the commas go?
What is a clause again?
Group of words with a S & V. It can stand alone.

8. , , , Use Commas to Separate 2 or More Adjectives Before a Noun
Welsh Corgis are stocky energetic dogs. , ,
These intelligent loyal playful pets
always enjoy a challenge.

9. I voted for Aly and Marin and Yousef in the student council election.
NOTE!
and or
nor
*If all of the items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do NOT use commas to separate them!
Repeated Conjunction
I voted for Aly and Marin and Yousef in the student council election.
Example

10. Activity!!! STEPS: Use your table groups
Take out a piece of paper: 1 per group.
Write down 1 sentence using words in a series, 1 sentence using phrases in a series, & 1 sentence using clauses in a series with commas used correctly.
All groups will then share aloud

11. Place commas where needed!
Let’s Practice!
Items in a Series! ,
Place commas where needed!
The delicate colorful wings of the hummingbird vibrate as
many as two hundred times each second. ,
2. The cool soft wind blew across the forest. , ,
3. Last week I read the novel The Lucky Stone the short story Flowers for Algernon and the poem Legacy II. , , ,
4. I want to visit Thailand Nepal China and Japan. ,
5. I sanded the the boards Jennifer
primed them and Paul painted them. ,

12. , FANBOYS , So For Yet And Or Nor But
Rule # 2: Compound Sentences: Use a comma before a conjunction when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence. ,
FANBOYS
I enjoyed A Christmas Carol but Romeo and Juliet is still my favorite play. So
I enjoy plays and movies.
For
Yet
No comma needed b/c there are not 2 independent clauses.
And Or ,
I enjoy going to plays and my sister likes them too.
Nor
But
2 Indep. Clauses & a Conjunction so we need a comma!

13. , , Rule #3: Interrupters EXAMPLE:
Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence
2 commas are used with interrupters: 1 goes before the expression, and 1 goes after.
EXAMPLE:
Elise born in Texas moved to Colorado before coming to Ohio.
What’s the interrupter? , ,
So where do the commas go?

14. Interrupters Continued…
Some interrupting expressions come at the beginning or end of a sentence. In this case, only 1 comma is needed. ,
Born in Texas Elise moved to Colorado before coming to Ohio. ,
The applications were mailed three days ago by the way.
Where does the comma go?

15. Nonessential Definition:
Nonessential & Essential…there’s a difference
A.K.A. Needed & Not Needed
Nonessential Definition:
A phrase or clause that is not needed in a sentence. Doesn’t take away from the meaning.
Example:
This small turtle, crossing the street slowly, was in danger.

16. Essential Definition: NO COMMAS NEEDED!
Adds info that makes the Noun or Pronoun it identifies more specific. DO NOT SET OFF AN ESSENTIAL PHRASE!!!
Example:
All farmers growing the new hybrid corn should have a good harvest.
We need this info or else the sentence changes meaning totally! SO… no commas needed!

17. Let’s Practice a Few… , ,
1. Leonardo Dicaprio the actor has appeared in many films.
2. The composer Mozart wrote 5 short piano pieces when he was 6.
Correct! ,
3. The card game canasta is descended from mah-jongg an ancient Chinese game.

18. Use Commas to Set off Words of Direct Address
Examples:
Mrs. Clarkson, this package is addressed to you.
Do you know, Oliver, when the next bus is coming?
I’d like to go now, Jeff.

19. , , “Where should the comma go?”
Rule # 4: Introductory Words, Phrases, & Clauses
Use a comma after certain introductory elements.
Focusing on Words 1st:
Use a comma to set off a mild exclamation such as: well, oh, or why at the beginning of a sentence.
Other words such as yes and no are also set off with commas!
“Where should the comma go?”
Examples: ,
Well I think we should ask for help.
Yes I understand the problem. ,

20. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.
Focusing on Introductory Phrases & Clauses Now…
Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.
If an introductory prep. phrase is long, USE A COMMA!
Example: At night in the desert, the temperature falls rapidly.

21. In the morning, we’ll tour our favorite sites.
If an introductory prep. phrase is short, a comma MAY or MAY NOT be used!
EXAMPLES:
In the morning, we’ll tour our favorite sites.
In the morning we’ll tour our favorite sites.
Either way works!!!

22. Use a comma after a verbal phrase that introduces a sentence!
Commas with Verbal Phrases!
Use a comma after a verbal phrase that introduces a sentence!
Examples:
Signaling the referee for a time out, the coach gathered her players for a pep talk.
Reminder! Verbal phrases are phrases that use a verb, they include participles, gerunds, and infinitives.
To keep your bones strong , be sure to eat foods rich in calcium.

23. Rule 5 – Dates, Locations, Addresses, Letters
Use a comma to separate the name of a city from a state or country.
We live in Boston, Massachusetts.
Use commas to separate the day of the week, day of the month, and the year.
Today is Tuesday, November 1st, 2016.

24. RULE # 5:Conventional Situations (Dates, Addresses, Locations, Letters)
Where should the commas go in the following examples? ,
January
Mike Jones
1456 Palm Lane
Lakewood California 87653 ,

25. Fix any mistakes in the letter!
1113 Collins St
Fort Worth TX
September , , ,
Dear Aunt Sally
What a great time I had at your house last week Your two dogs Buffy and Pepper certainly kept me entertained I’ve really missed taking them for walks and playing fetch When summer begins I could come visit again Anyway thank you very much for inviting me.
Sincerely
James ! , , . . , . , ,
Nice Job!

26. Commas Continued…
Rule 6. Use commas to set off “quotes” or what someone has said. EXAMPLE: "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many things."

27. Commas in quotes Reminders
Remember, use commas if there are no exclamation points or question marks.
“What a minute,” said Sally, “we have a test today?!”
If the quote is dialogue and is ending the sentence, then use a period.
Thomas replied, “I don’t think you’re going to do very well.”

28. Comma Confusion
Rule 7. Use or do not use a comma to avoid confusion. EXAMPLE of using comma: Outside the lawn was cluttered with hundreds of broken branches. Example - Outside, the lawn was cluttered with hundreds of broken branches.

29. Comma Confusion Example of do not use commas
The Giant Panda eats shoots and leaves.
The Giant Panda eats, shoots, and leaves.

34. You are now a Conqueror of Commas!!
May your Reign last a 1,000 years!