1. Commas – A Digital Unit
English 9
Comma Unit

2. Introduction
You will be using this PowerPoint to enter the digital world of commas. Read each slide carefully. Complete the examples you are given, and record any information that you might find helpful on your comma note sheet (which I have provided for you). Click on the arrows to advance to the next slide!
*Be sure to take notes!*

3. What to Expect?
During this digital unit, you can expect to read a good bit of information about various types of commas. You can also expect to encounter many practice activities that will help reinforce your learning. Be prepared to take a final test on all of the information presented here!

4. Let’s Begin!!!
Don’t forget to take notes!

5. Part I: Back to Basics!
The following slides will present some basic comma information. Much of the following should be a review, but it is still important to read through and take notes! We will cover the areas of:
Back to Basics
The Comma
Phrases and Clauses
Independent Clauses
Compound Sentences ,

6. What is a Comma?
A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence.
Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader. ,

7. The Terminology!
A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other.
She bought some peaches when she went to the corner store.
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other.
Examples will follow!

8. Independent Clauses 1
A complete sentence has two components, a Subject and a Verb.
The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause.
An independent clause is a single, complete sentence with one single thought.
S V
The Couple Dances.
S V
The boy laughed.
S V
The dog barked.
S V
The girl sang.

9. Compound Sentences 2 FAN BOYS Conjunctions
A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. (Two complete sentences joined by a comma AND coordinating conjunction).
A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence.
Conjunctions
for
and
nor
but or
yet so
FAN BOYS

10. Commas in Compound Sentences
The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction.
Bill bought the ingredients, so Leah baked the cake.
Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog.
Mr. Raitano said to complete the comma unit, but the students played on the internet.

11. Compound Sentences: Exercise 1
Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide.
1. Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him.
2. The test was important and he failed miserably.
3. The girl did not go home nor did she go to the game.

12. Part II: Moving on Up!
The following slides will present some more advanced comma information. Much of the following should still be a review. Be sure to take notes on the following:
Moving on Up!
Dependent Clauses
Introductory Clauses
Essential Phrases and Clauses
Nonessential Phrases and Clauses
Sorry, no Santa Clauses

13. Dependent Clause 3
Some dependent clause markers:
because though
since although
when unless
while after
until before
if once
as whether
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but the clause is NOT a complete sentence! It cannot stand alone.
Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers.

14. Dependent Phrases and Clauses
Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause.
Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
DEPENDENT CLAUSES ARE NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES! THEY CANNOT STAND ALONE!

15. Dependent Clauses Serving as Introductory Clauses.
The following rules apply when using a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. This is often referred to as an introductory clause.
When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause.
EXAMPLE: When Mary called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue.
Independent Clause

16. Dependent Clauses Serving as Introductory Clauses.
During the game, the boy ate the pizza.
As the rain fell, the sky turned darker and darker.
Since the girls won, the boys had to wear dresses to school.
Though we lost, the coach still took us out for ice cream.
Before we left home, we all went to the bathroom.
Unless you take the quiz, you are going to fail for the nine weeks.
NOTE:
When dependent clauses come at the beginning of the sentence, you MUST use a comma before moving to the independent clause.
Dependent/Introductory Clause
Independent Clause
Notice the independent clause is a COMPLETE SENTENCE. It CAN stand alone!

17. Dependent/Introductory Clause Practice!
Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. Be sure to review dependent clauses if you are struggling.
Once we had arrived we were greeted like royalty.
During the movie we ate all of the popcorn.
Though he was the new kid he already had a great deal of friends.
Before he could speak his mother was already scolding him.
Until he told the truth the judge was going to keep him locked up.

18. Dependent Clauses at the END of a Sentence!
When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place a comma between the two.
Complete Sentence
Not a Complete Sentence
I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me.
Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
NO COMMA
Complete Sentence
Not a Complete Sentence
I became very sick when the roller coaster did circles.
Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
NO COMMA

19. Dependent Clauses at the END of a Sentence Practice!
He was winning the race until he fell down.
CORRECT INCORRECT
I stole the bike, because my friend told me to.
CORRECT INCORRECT
I ran all the way home since I was being chased.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The girl couldn’t believe he agreed, after everything that had happened.
CORRECT INCORRECT

20. Essential Phrases and Clauses4
An essential clause or phrase is used to modify a noun.
It also adds information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence.
Essential clauses are NOT set off by commas.

21. Essential Phrases and Clauses
The people who frequent my gym are so uptight!
Essential phrase
If you remove the essential phrase, “who frequent my gym,” the sentence no longer makes complete sense. Try it!
The sentence, “The people are so uptight!” is too vague. It forces the reader to ask the question, “Which people?”
Remember: You DO NOT use commas with essential phrases!

22. Essential Phrases and Clauses
The teacher that I had last year was much nicer than this one!
Essential Phrase
HINT: The word THAT is almost always an indicator of an essential phrase or clause!
Again, notice that there are no commas used to set off the essential phrase!

23. Essential Clause and Phrase Practice!
The computer, that was stolen, was found in the dumpster.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The boy, that won the race, did not fall down.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The girl, who was being chased, ran all the way home.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The teacher that was recently hired is my new favorite teacher!
CORRECT INCORRECT

24. Nonessential Phrases and Clauses5
A nonessential phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence.
This information can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence.

25. Nonessential Phrases and Clauses
Always place commas around nonessential phrases and clauses.
My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a party!
Non-essential
COMMA
COMMA
Hint: Even if you remove the nonessential phrase from the sentence, the main idea of the sentence has not changed!
Even without the phrase the sentence still makes sense: My brother plans to throw a party!

26. Nonessential Phrases and Clauses
Steve said that we would see the movie on Valentine’s Day, which is my favorite holiday!
Non-Essential
For this example, it is not important for us to know that Valentine’s day is this person’s favorite holiday. It is non-essential information.
Notice the sentence still gives the same important information if the end is removed. “Steve said that we would see the movie on Valentine’s Day.”
It is only important that we know that Steve is taking her to see the movie on Valentine’s Day. Remove the end to test this.

27. Non-Essential Clause and Phrase Practice!
The book, which was my favorite, was turned into a movie.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The car which was blue was stolen last night.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The movie, which I really liked, received horrible reviews.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The boy, who was new to school, has lots of friends.
CORRECT INCORRECT

28. Part III: To Infinity and Beyond!!
We are now going to take a look at some other places where commas need to go. These comma errors are just as common as the others, but they are not studied as much. Let’s blast off to a new world of comma usage:
To Infinity and Beyond!
Interjection
Direct Address
Tag Question
Contrasting Elements

29. The Interjection 6
When an interjection is used at the beginning of the sentence, follow it with a comma:
Wow, love is heavenly!
Ouch, love is cruel!
Hey, come here!
Whoa, did you see that?
Yay, that was fun!

30. A Direct Address 7
Direct Address: To call a person or group of people to attention by using his or her name.
Use a comma to set off words used in direct address.
Class, where would you put the comma in this sentence?
Mr Raitano, we love to learn about commas!
The speaker is directly addressing the class!
The speaker is directly addressing Mr. Raitano

31. A Direct Address Bill went to the store. Bill came when he was called.
Not a direct address!
No Comma!
Bill came when he was called.
No Comma!
Bill, get to the store!
DIRECT ADDRESS!
Comma after the direct address!
Bill, come over here!
Comma after the direct address!

32. Tag Question 7 Use a comma BEFORE a tag question! Tag question:
a statement followed by a mini-question that asks for confirmation.
Use a comma BEFORE a tag question!
Mother: My daughter is a good student, isn’t she?
Mr. Raitano: I think so, don’t you?
Tag Question!
Comma
Comma
Tag Question!

33. Contrasting Elements Use a comma to separate contrasting elements.
Contrasting Elements will compare two items (or elements) and then draw some sort of conclusion.
Marty, unlike some other students in the study hall, did
not use the time to study and failed the comma test.
COMMA
COMMA
Contrasting Element – We are comparing or contrasting Marty to the other students in his study hall.

34. Contrasting Elements The boy, unlike the dog, came when he was called.
You are contrasting that boy listens better than the dog!
The boy, unlike the dog, came when he was called.
Contrasting element
The bad guys, not the good ones, won this round.
You are contrasting bad guys and good guys.
ALWAYS use commas to set off the contrasting elements!

35. Mixed Bag Practice 1 1. Whoa did you just see that?
Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide.
1. Whoa did you just see that?
2. Fifth period turn to page 22.
3. I think she would be willing to go out of her way for us don’t you?
4. Hey can you come over here for a second?
5. Mr. Johnson can you repeat that part of the lecture?
6. He wouldn’t dare try to come in here would he?

36. Contrasting Elements Practice 2!
The yellow car unlike the red car finished in first place.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The house on the left, not on the right, was broken into.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The book not the movie was so much better.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The girls, unlike the boys weren't afraid to get dirty.
CORRECT INCORRECT

37. Part IV: To Be or Not to Be (a comma error)
The next set of comma rules are fairly common and you should be familiar with them. These examples are mistakes that are often made the most. Some will be old, and some will be new, but we need to know if the comma should be there, or if it should not be there.
To Be or Not to Be!
Commas in a Series
Commas with Adjectives
Dates and Addresses
Letter or

38. Commas in a Series 8
Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list.
The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion.
The comma before the conjunction is required.

39. Look at the following sentences. Notice where the commas are!
Commas in a Series
Commas should be placed in a series of words, phrases, or clauses.
Look at the following sentences. Notice where the commas are!
The commas separate the items in the series!
1. Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed.
2. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

40. Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series
Consider the difference in the following:
Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim.
Notice how important correct comma usage is in the statements to the right. It can be very confusing to the reader if commas are used improperly, or not used at all.
How many girls did Alex date? 4? 3? 2?
Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim.
Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim.

41. Commas with adjectives9
Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun.
big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, mean man
The big and blue house (um no) The blue big house (um no)
The three and hungry kittens (no) The hungry three kittens (eh)
The cranky and mean man (YES) The mean, cranky man (YES)
THE TEST:
~Can you put “and” between the adjectives?
~Can they be described in reverse order?
IF YES – USE A COMMA!

42. Dates and Addresses 10 January 1, 2009 October 31, 2008
DATES: Use a comma between the date and the year when writing the date:
January 1, 2009
October 31, 2008
August 25, 1983
CITY,STATE: Use a comma between the city and state in an address.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Atlanta, Georgia
TOGETHER: Use a comma to separate items in dates and addresses when writing them in a sentence. Also, place a comma after the street name and before the city.
Come to 123 Comma Lane, Pittsburgh, PA. on Monday, December 3.
COMMA
COMMA
COMMA

43. Friendly Letter (Email)11
Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter or .
Salutation: A word or phrase of greeting used to begin a letter or .
Dear Mr. Raitano,
To Mrs. Knox,
COMMA
Use a comma at the closing of a friendly letter or .
Closing: A word or phrase that ends a friendly letter or an .
Sincerely, Mr. Holliday
With my deepest regards, Mr. McCann
Cordially yours, Mr. Miles
COMMA
COMMA
COMMA

44. To Be, Or Not to Be! Practice…
I really wanted to buy the pink shoes, the yellow hat, the orange gloves and the green socks.
CORRECT INCORRECT
He had to speak to the strange, smelly old man.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The party was being held at 307 Writing Lab Way, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on Monday, November 11.
CORRECT INCORRECT
Dear Mom, Thanks for everything! With Love, Leah.
CORRECT INCORRECT

45. Part V: Splice Up Your Life!
You have now made it to the homestretch. You are down to the very last rule of this Digital Comma Unit. This final comma rule is probably one you have not heard about previously. It is the comma splice. Many people made this exact error in their narrative assignment. Pay close attention and close this Digital Unit out with a bang!
Splice Up Your Life!
The Comma Splice

46. The Comma Splice 12
A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses (or complete sentences) are joined by a comma.
We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon.
Independent Clause
Independent Clause
The Internet has revolutionized the business world,
online sales have increased dramatically this year.
Independent Clause
Independent Clause

47. To Correct a Comma Splice
Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses.
Start a new sentence.
Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic).
We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon.
We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon.
The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year.
ALMOST FINISHED!!

48. Comma Splice?? It’s a comma splice!!
Language Arts is my best subject, I am sure I will get an A.
Is this right? Let’s find out!
A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses (or complete sentences) are joined by a comma.
This is an independent clause or a complete sentence!
Language Arts is my best subject,
This is also an independent clause or a complete sentence!
I am sure I will get an A.
Survey says?
It’s a comma splice!!

49. Comma Splice Practice…
I bought the red jeep, the one with the fluffy interior!
CORRECT INCORRECT
I took the test, and I earned an A.
CORRECT INCORRECT
I had to run all the way home, I was being chased.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The teacher collected it yesterday, I didn’t turn it in.
CORRECT INCORRECT

50. You’ve Done it!
You have successfully completed your Digital Comma unit. You have taken in a great deal of information in the past few days. Be sure to study your notes for your comma test.

51. Compound Sentences 1 X
Pick Again!

52. Compound Sentences 1
GO YOU!

53. Dependent/Introductory 1X
Pick Again!

54. Dependent/Introductory 1
GO YOU!

55. Dependent Clause 1 X
Pick Again!

56. Dependent Clause 1
GO YOU!

57. Essential Phrase 1 X
Pick Again!

58. Essential Phrase 1
GO YOU!

59. Non-Essential Phrase 1 X
Pick Again!

60. Non-Essential Phrase 1
GO YOU!

61. Mixed Bag 1 X
Pick Again!

62. Mixed Bag 1
GO YOU!

63. Contrasting Elements 1 X
Pick Again!

64. Contrasting Elements 1
GO YOU!

65. To Be, or Not to Be 1 X
Pick Again!

66. To Be, or Not to Be 1
GO YOU!

67. Comma Splice 1 X
Pick Again!

68. Comma Splice 1
GO YOU!

69. You can use this time to review or end the show.
So Ends Day 1 of Commas!
Tiring huh??
You can use this time to review or end the show.
I recommend reviewing your information. If you decide you are finished, you will be given comma worksheets to complete!