1. The Comma (and other Grammatical Devices)

2. “ Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals. ” Jim Rohn

3. Basic Sentence Formula  A sentence requires two basic elements: (1) Subject- “Something/ someone to talk about” This is usually in the form of a noun (a person, place, or thing).

4.  (2) Predicate- “Reports on what the person, place, thing, or idea did (usually in the form of a verb).”  “Verbs are doing words. A verb can express a physical action, a mental action, or a state of being.” - http://www.grammar- monster.com/lessons/verbs.htm http://www.grammar- monster.com/lessons/verbs.htm

5. Sample Sentence  John baked a cake. Identify the subject and the predicate in the following sentences:  Sam climbed up a ladder.  Alexis went to the mall.  Chris bought a red shirt.

6. Compound Subject  “When you put two subjects into a sentence, you’ve created a compound subject” (p.5).  Marc and I like to go to jazz concerts.

7. Compound Predicate  A compound predicate is created when you use two verbs in a sentence. Chris makes and sells clothing. *** “Whenever you have two subjects or two verbs, you should join them together with “and” or “or.” These words are called coordinating conjunctions” (p.5).

8. Sentence Fragments  These are incomplete sentences. This means that you are either missing the subject or the predicate. Lucy likes. –Where is the predicate? To eat fresh strawberries. –Where is the subject? Lucy likes to eat fresh strawberries.

9. A Quick Discussion on Clauses  A main, or independent, clause has a subject, a predicate, and is a complete sentence (an idea that can stand on its own). Mike’s dog is always barking.

10.  A subordinate clause may have a subject and a predicate, but it is an incomplete thought (and sentence). This type of clause will have a subordinate conjunction. Subordinate Conjunction+ Subject+ Predicate

11.  Example: Because a construction crew is working on our street. This is an incomplete sentence. To make this complete: Subordinate Clause, Independent Clause. Because a construction crew is working on our street, Mike’s dog is always barking. http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/clause.htm

12. List of Subordinate Conjunctions  after  although  as  because  before  even if  even though  if  in order that  once  provided that  rather than  since  so that  http://www.chompchomp.com/ter ms/subordinateconjunction.htm http://www.chompchomp.com/ter ms/subordinateconjunction.htm  than  that  though  unless  until  when  whenever  where  whereas  wherever  whether  while  why

13. Punctuation  “Punctuation holds sentences together…but also keeps the right part of sentences separated. Sometimes sentences can have a totally different meaning if the wrong punctuation mark is used, or the right one in the wrong place….” (92).

14. Common Punctuation Marks The…  Period (.)  Question Mark (?)  Exclamation Point (!)  Comma (,)  Semi Colon (;)  Colon (:)  Apostrophe(‘)  Quotation Mark (“ “)

15. The Comma  “ Commas work on the inside [of a sentence], and they help turn sentences from long strings of words into ideas that make clear sense” (p. 92).  They are are the grammatical equivalent of taking a breath when you speak.

16. Compound Sentences  “ When you form a compound sentence (two main clauses with a coordinating conjunction joining the two), it’s a good idea to stick a comma before the conjunction” (92). Ex: “Rosita thinks she needs my help, but I think I need to butt out of things between her and Charlie.”

17. Interruptions  Interruptions with a non-restrictive element usually need a set of commas (unless they come at the beginning or end of the sentence).  Non-restrictive element: “is one that you can take out of a sentence without changing its meaning” (93). Ex: “Students, chewing gum and listening to headphones, sat in the principles office” (93).

18. Introductions  “When a sentence has a introduction to the main idea, you use a comma to put a pause between the introduction and main idea” (92). Ex: Finally, she put the cake batter in the oven. Since he started running, he has become more fit.

19. Contrasting Elements  “ When you toss a contrasting element into a sentence, you stick it between commas to set it apart” (94). It’s Max, not me, who is the good cook.

20. Interjections  Interjections are words or phrases that, “express surprise or some other kind of emotion” (86). Ex: “Yikes, Eek, Ouch, Hey, Wow” “When they introduce, end, or even interrupt sentences, they need commas” (94). “I thought I was over Charlie a long time ago, but, yikes, I learned how fast I was wrong.”

21. Direct Address  If you are directly addressing someone, a comma should follow the individual you are addressing. Ex: Sir, could you please write me a letter of recommendation.

22. Tag Questions  “ A tag question is a little question that gets tacked onto the end of a regular sentence, using a single comma” (94-95). Ex: “Tag questions are pretty simple, aren’t they?”

23. Lists, Dates, Addresses  “ My favorite colors are red, blue, and green.”  “On Monday, August 23, 2007, I started attending the university.”  “I live at 543 Main, Las Cruces, New Mexico 51234.

24. Quotations  “When you quote someone else, you need a comma between the words explaining whose talking, called a signal phrase, and the quotation itself” Ex: The teacher said, “it is important to know your grammar rules.” “I don’t think I’ll ever master these boring grammar rules,” sighed the student.

25. Do Not Use Commas: **Between the subject and verb “Wrong: Marie and I, ate too much from the kitchen” (96). **Between the verb and object “Wrong: Marie and I ate, too much from the kitchen” (96). **Between the preposition and the object “Wrong: Marie and I ate too much from, the kitchen” (97).

26. For More Information on Grammar  http://www.chomp chomp.com/menu.htm http://www.chomp chomp.com/menu.htm  Book Cited: No Fear Grammar

27. Homework  Summary and Reflection 2  Prepare for the SAT Test 1