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. 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.

3. 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 Brandon prepared for the
skateboarding competition. ,
What is a phrase again?!
A group of words that does not have a S & V together

4. 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. , ,
What is a clause again?
Group of words with a S & V(dependent or independent)

5. The Oxford Comma
The optional comma that comes before the conjunction (usually “and”) in a list.
Using it can help avoid confusion in your sentence!!
For example:
Sally found herself in the movie theater with her ex-boyfriend, a clown and a serial killer.

6. Pomeranians are small energetic dogs.
Rule #2
Use Commas to Separate 2 or More Adjectives that provide an equal description of a Noun ,
Pomeranians are small energetic dogs. , ,
These intelligent loyal playful pets
always enjoy a challenge.

7. Several old homes in my neighborhood are under renovation.
Be careful!
Do a “test” to make sure the comma is needed. Insert “and” between the adjectives, and then try to rearrange them.
Several old homes in my neighborhood are under renovation.
She lives in a old brick house.

8. I voted for Corey and Mona and Ethan 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 Corey and Mona and Ethan in the student council election.
Example

9. 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. I want to visit Thailand Nepal China and Japan.
4. I sanded the boards Jennifer
primed them and Paul painted them.

10. , FANBOYS , So For Yet And Or Nor But
Rule # 3: Compound Sentences: Use a comma before a coordinating 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!

11. Rule #4:
Use commas to set off an appositive phrase which gives more information about a noun.
EXAMPLES:
Elise the girl in our class moved here from Texas.
The Auburn Tigers the best football team in the nation beat Georgia. , , , ,

12. Let’s Practice a Few…
1. Leonardo Dicaprio the actor has appeared in many films.
2. Mrs. Sherer my Language Arts teacher taught us about commas today.
3. HTMS my middle school is awesome!

13. Rule #5: Use Commas to Set off Words of Direct Address (the name of a person being spoken to)
Examples:
Mrs. Clarkson, this package is addressed to you.
Do you know, Odessa, when the next bus is coming?
I’d like to go now, Jeff.

14. Using a Comma When Speaking to Someone Can Make a Big Difference!
(LOL!!!)
For Example…
Ahhh!
Let’s eat Grandpa!
Let’s eat, Grandpa!

15. BRAIN BREAK!!!
Stand up and do 5 jumping jacks!

16. , , Rule # 6: Introductory Words and Phrases Focusing on Words 1st:
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!
Examples: ,
Well I think we should ask for help.
Yes I understand the problem. ,

17. Use a comma after an introductory phrase.
If an introductory prep. phrase is long, USE A COMMA!
Example: At night in the desert, the temperature falls rapidly.

18. 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!!!

19. A dependent clause usually starts with an AAAWWUUBBIS word.
Rule #7 Use a comma to set off a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence.
A dependent clause usually starts with an AAAWWUUBBIS word.
When I am ready, I will let you know.
If you want to sleep, I will keep the music down.
Hint: Don’t use a comma when the dependent clause is at the end of the sentence.

20. RULE # 8:Conventional Situations (Dates and Addresses),
January
Mike Jones
1456 Palm Lane
Lakewood California 87653 ,

21. When an address is written in a sentence, make sure to separate each item in the address AND separate the address from the rest of the sentence!
Example:
Send the package to 123 Blueberry Lane, Marietta, GA 30062, by next Monday.
(Don’t put a comma between the state and zip code.)

22. Rule #9 Use Commas to set off Commas in Salutations and Closings in a letter or email.,
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 ! , , . . , . , ,

23. Rule #10 Use commas to set off direct quotations.
“I’m really tired today,” John whined.
Joseph screamed, “I got the part in the school play!”
“I need to go home,” Sue complained, “because I’ve worked late all week.”
Remember that commas go outside the quotation marks BEFORE the quote and inside the quotation marks at the END or MIDDLE of the quote.

24. Congratulations!
Now You’re a Comma Pro!!!