1. Commas!
By Ms. Kiernan 

2. Why are commas so important?

3. Rule #1: To separate items in a series.
The bird flapped its wings, sang a song, and flew away.
The man was tall, dark, and handsome.

4. Rule #2: After mild interjections or introductory words.
Yes, I admit that I love Justin Bieber.
Donna, would you get the door?

5. Rule #3: To separate an introductory phrase.
In the middle of the race, the car blew out a tire.
Looking up from her magazine, she smiled at me across the room.

6. Rule #4: To separate a dependent clause from an independent clause in a complex sentence.
Since you were sick, I made chicken soup.

7. Rule #5: To set off a parenthetical or an appositive phrase.
The woman, the one with blonde hair, was reading a book.
The boy, however, was unhappy.

8. Rule #6: To set off geographical names and items in dates.
On March 26, 1874, Robert Frost was born.
You live in Smithtown, New York.

9. Rule #7: To set off or end a quotation.
The teacher said, “Always study your grammar!”
“Always study your grammar,” said the teacher.

10. Rule #8: To join the two clauses of a compound sentence.
I had planned to come, but I have changed my mind.
Sean went to the party; however, he couldn’t stay for long.

11. Practice Pg. 229, #1-10: Find 19 missing commas
Write the word before and after each missing comma, and add the comma.

12. Rule #9: Avoid Comma Splices
NEVER use only a comma to join two complete sentences together.
Ex.) The sun is out, I will go to the beach.
Add in a conjunction instead.
Better example: The sun is out; therefore, I will go to the beach.

13. Practice
Pg. 231, #1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Add commas, as needed, to clarify sentences. Revise sentences that contain comma splices.