1. Commas Da, da, dum, dum, duuum!!
This set of slides will illustrate the most common uses of one of the most common punctuation marks:
THE COMMA

2. Comma Rule #4 (Ice Tong Rule)
Sometimes writers include a clause that is not essential to the main idea of the sentence. Non-essential phrases/clauses should be surrounded with commas.
Odysseus, a warrior that has been away from home for 20 years, is a dedicated hero.
Essential information: Odysseus is a dedicated hero.
Non-essential information: Odysseus is a warrior that has been away from home for 20 years.

3. A good rule of thumb—when in doubt, lift it out!
Comma Rule #4, Continued
HINT: When determining where to place your commas, consider whether you could remove a phrase or clause from the sentence and keep the main idea.
Telemachus the son of Odysseus and Penelope matures throughout the story.
What’s essential/non-essential?
Do we need commas here? If so, where?
A good rule of thumb—when in doubt, lift it out!

4. Comma Rule #4 Practice , ,
A good friend of mine Bill Harris asked that I join him for dinner on Friday. , ,
Our yearly vacation scheduled to last six weeks has just begun. , ,
My sister now retired lives in the San Francisco area.

5. Comma Rule #5
Use a comma to set off introductory interjection words (i.e. well, yes, no). HINT: injection
Well, students should have the opportunity to sit where they want.
No, I really don’t want to go to the store this weekend.
Yes, the test will be scheduled for next week—study hard!

6. , , , , Comma Rule #5 Practice Well what’s your explanation?
No I did not give you permission to visit your friend this weekend. ,
Yes Mr. Jones, I’m ready. ,
Oh we didn’t expect to see you so soon.

7. Comma Rule #6
Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. (phrase ending with -ing, -ed, -n)
What is a participle?
A participle is a verbal that is used as an adjective and most often ends in -ing or -ed. The term verbal indicates that a participle expresses action or a state of being. Participles function as adjectives and modify nouns or pronouns.
Giggling loudly, she turned bright red.
Shaken, he walked away from the wrecked car.

8. Comma Rule #6 Practice ,
Looking for help the man fell on his knees to beg. ,
Barking insistently Smokey got us to throw his ball for him. ,
Having decided to eat only natural foods he had to give up all of his favorite junk food snacks. ,
Broken by the news Millie ran home to seek comfort from her family.