1. Comma Rules are out of this world!

2. Beware of the Comma Myths
MYTH: Long sentences need a comma. A really long sentence may be perfectly correct without commas. The length of a sentence does not determine whether you need a comma.
2. MYTH: You should add a comma wherever you pause. Where you pause or breathe in a sentence does not reliably indicate where a comma belongs. Different readers pause or breathe in different places.
3. MYTH: Commas are so mysterious that it's impossible to figure out where they belong! Some rules are flexible, but most of the time, commas belong in very predictable places. You can learn to identify many of those places using the tips in this handout.

3. Golden Comma Rule #1 Use commas to separate items in a series.
words in a series
phrases in a series
clauses in a series
We know what words in a series are:
i.e. This essay will examine the problems, causes, and solutions surrounding the issue of global warming. (Please punctuate this correctly in your notes.)
But what are clauses and phrases in a series?

4. Examples (Please punctuate these sentences correctly in your notes.)
Phrases in a series:
Devin enjoys playing ping pong, juggling chainsaws, and taking long walks on the beach.
Lacy searched in her backpack, under the bed, and in the sock drawer for her missing language textbook.
Clauses in a series:
Last week Mrs. Toltzman finished a half marathon, Mr. Aspenson watched a Star Trek marathon, and Ms. Miller visited her friend in Marathon County.

5. A phrase is a group of words which does not contain a subject verb relationship.
Subject Predicate
The large, red dog ran quickly down the path.
ACT scores can be improved through study and practice.
Mrs. Rooney is the best English ACT prep instructor.
He preferred warm weather.
Examples of phrases:
the large, red dog
down the path
can be improved
going to the beach
to run a marathon

6. A clause is a sentence (or part of a sentence) which contains its own subject verb relationship.
An independent (main) clause makes sense on its own.
The Holmen Vikings won the game.
A dependent (subordinate) clause does not make sense on its own.
Because the Holmen Vikings won the game…

7. Test your clauses and phrases (phrase, independent clause, or dependent clause)
1. After school, Larry reads his independent reading book.
Phrase Independent clause
2. After he finished studying, Larry went to the game.
Dependent clause Independent clause
3. Larry felt a lot better after he studied for the test.
Independent clause Dependent clause

8. Comma Rule #2
Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun
Ex: Ms. Smith is a young, dynamic, creative woman.
Please fill in the example on your sheet.

9. Comma Rule #3 For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Use commas before conjunctions (FANBOYS) when they join independent clauses.
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
These words function as connectors. They can connect words, phrases, and clauses, like this:
Words: I am almost dressed and ready.
Phrases: My socks are in the living room or under my bed.
Clauses: They smell really bad, so they will be easy to find.
Please punctuate the three sentences in your notes. We will go over the answers in a moment.

10. , , , She is a nice kid but she is not an organized student.
He needs to do his homework or he might fail the class.
Tim wants to buy a car yet he has no money. , ,

11. Comma Rule #4
Use commas to set off with phrases or clauses which are nonessential.
Ex: Mrs. Rooney, an ACT prep instructor, entertained the class with notes on comma rules.
Mr. Baer, who loves hunting, looks forward to November each year.
Ms. Miller, knowing how much students love grammar, created an informative power point.
(Please correctly punctuate these examples in your notes.)

12. Last, but not least, Comma Rule #5
Use commas after certain introductory elements.
Use after such words as well, yes, no, or why when they begin a sentence.
Yes, I love reading mystery novels!
Use after an introductory participial phrase
Reading late into the night, I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Use after dependent clause.
As Ms. Miller read Code Name Verity, she used two and a half boxes of tissues.