Conquering the Comma!.

Conquering the Comma!

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. Commas can make the sentence easier to understand. , Key Concepts: The facilitator may choose to invite the audience to respond to the title question and allow participants to discuss the function of the comma. Many writers become frustrated with comma usage because they are unsure of where to place them in their sentences. This presentation is designed to demystify the placement and usage of commas. The facilitator may stress to participants that commas should not be ignored in writing; they are often needed to clarify meaning within a sentence and can help to avoid confusion. Click mouse after title question to reveal each response.

Clauses and Phrases A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other. Key Concepts: This slide articulates the basic differences between a clause and a phrase. The facilitator may stress the importance of understanding these definitions for understanding comma placement.

Phrase: are word clusters lacking subject and verb combinations.
Clauses and Phrases Clause: contain a subject and verb. If they form complete thoughts, we call them independent clauses or sentences . If they form incomplete thoughts, we call them dependent, subordinate clauses, or fragments. Phrase: are word clusters lacking subject and verb combinations.

(Also a fragment, but not even a subject and verb!)
Clause examples: 1) We collected the data. (Complete sentence with a subject and verb. This is an independent clause.) 2) While we collected the data (FRAGMENT as is even though it has a subject and verb. This is a dependent clause.) while we ate our lunch. , we ate our lunch. Phrase example: While collecting data (Also a fragment, but not even a subject and verb!) , we ate our lunch.

Sentence Structure: REVIEW: A Simple Sentence
A complete sentence has two components: a subject and a verb. The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered a simple sentence. Key Concepts: This slide explains the structure of an independent clause, the primary building block for the development of any sentence. An independent clause requires a subject and a verb that can stand as a complete thought. Sentences can be very short, as the one detailed in the slide. The facilitator may ask the audience to identify the subject and verb in the example. Click mouse after text appears to reveal picture and sample sentence. Click mouse after sample sentence to reveal the labels “subject” and “verb.” The couple dances. subject (S) verb (V)

COMMA RULE #1 ITEMS IN A SERIES
Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Example: Cars, buses, and trucks clog city streets. (words) 2. Beside the fence, on the porch, or outside the back door is a good place for that potted plant. (phrases) 3. Call me before you leave town, while you’re staying in Florida, and after you return home. (clauses)

COMMA RULE #1, CONT. ITEMS IN A SERIES
Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion. Key Concept: Commas should be placed between each element within a list. This placement can help the reader to avoid confusion.

Consider the difference in the following: A. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim. B. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim. C. Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim. D. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. Activity: These examples illustrate the importance of comma placement within a list. The facilitator may ask students to answer the question “How many women did Alex date?” in accordance with each example—two women in the first, four in the second, and three in the third. Click to reveal each example. Q. Which do you think is Correct?

Commas should be placed in series of words, phrases, or clauses. Place commas in the following sentences: Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed. Martina brushed her hair put on her pajamas and went to bed. Activity: The facilitator may stress to participants that a series includes a list of words, but it can also include a list of phrases or clauses. This exercise allows participants to determine when the commas should be placed in each sentence. Click to reveal commas for each sentence. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess she kissed a frog and she rescued her prince. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

PRACTICE… 1. Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where needed. The students at Del Webb Middle School took notes studied and learned to use commas correctly in sentences. 2. Create your own example sentence. ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Check your answer. The students at Del Webb Middle School took notes, studied, and learned to use commas correctly in sentences.

COMMA RULE #2 Introductory Words and Phrases
Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word or phrase. Yes, we enjoyed your performance in the play. No, you didn’t sing off key. Oh, it was so hot in the auditorium!

COMMA RULE #2, CONT. Introductory Words and Phrases
Without the comma, the sentence may be interpreted incorrectly. For example: “Go, get him doctors!” Mrs. Brown yelled. “Go get him, doctors!” Mrs. Brown yelled. MATCH: “The patient is hurt!” “The patient is running away!”

The comma after the introductory word or phrase indicates a pause. Consider the difference in the following: A. Last month Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. B. Last, month Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. C. Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim. D. Last month Alex dated, Mary, Ann Lee, and Kim Q. Which do you think is Correct?

Practice Well Marna, you earned a B for paying attention in class, doing your homework, and studying hard. Indeed it was me who was the V.I.P. last night. Okay you can have ten more minutes of video game time.

PRACTICE… 1. Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where needed. No you may not go to the movies because you are failing English. 2. Create your own example sentence. __________________________________ __________________________________

Check your answer. No, you may not go to the movies because you are failing English.

Not a correct example… How come? I got an A++ on the test last week.
Wow! That was such a good day! Why? I will do my homework if you feed me. Fine, I will do my homework if you feed me. Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #3 Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. For a number of years, she served as director of the National Youth Administration's Division of Negro Affairs. *For a number and of years

COMMA RULE #3, CONT. Prepositional Phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
What is a preposition? A word that relates a noun or a pronoun to some other word in the sentence. Examples above, under, into, behind, around, inside, over, ahead, below, across, beside, out, in, through, What is a prepositional phrase? A group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. Examples through the house, into the barn, under the couch, over the hedge, in the cave, inside the toilet, behind the television

Put one comma after the two prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Decide which is correct. A. In the house, under the couch I found my phone. B. In the house under the couch, I found my phone. C. In the house, under the couch, I found my phone. D. In the house under the couch I found my phone.

Also, use a comma to set off a single long prepositional phrase at the beginning of a sentence. For example: Beneath a dozen fluttering red and blue banners, he made his campaign speech. You need not set off a single short prepositional phrase, but it’s not wrong to do so. In 1998 Frank Jordan ran for mayor. In 1998, Frank Jordan ran for mayor.

Practice: With hope of winning the tournament our soccer team practiced hard. In the fall of 1998 Frank Jordan ran for mayor. Under tons of tiny rocks and pebbles she found her diamond ring. At four o’clock we will leave for the doctors.

PRACTICE… Copy the example, inserting the comma(s) where needed. In the bathroom behind the toilet is the toilet brush. 2. Create your own example sentence. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #4 Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. Use commas to set off appositives in a sentence. The students, who did well on the comma assessment, got a treat in class!

Sentence Structure: Appositives
COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives Sentence Structure: Appositives An appositive is a noun or phrase that identifies the person or thing it follows. Use commas to set off MOST appositives. Do not use commas to set off a short appositive, such as one name. This is my friend Kara. (Introducing Kara) This is my friend, Kara. (Talking to Kara)

COMMA RULE #4, CONT. Interrupters, a.k.a. Appositives
My brother, the biggest nerd I know, plans to throw a party! Juanita, who is only five feet tall, is a fine gymnast. My brother Carl, whom I think you know, is sixteen today. He must, of course, pay his fine. He will, however, serve his time. We have, therefore, been vindicated. The game, as you remember, was a tie. A new method of scoring, we decided, was necessary. S appositive V

Do not set off essential clauses!!! Essential clauses are necessary to the meaning of the sentence. Example: The house that has green shutters is at the corner of Elm and Maple. vs. My house, which has green shutters, is at the corner of Elm and Maple. ESSENTIAL? NONESSENTIAL?

PRACTICE… Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where needed. Taking notes I believe helps you study for tests. The man with the red hat was very funny. (essential) Jerry, who has a red hat, was very funny.(Not essential) 2. Create your own example sentence. ________________________________________ ________________________________________

COMMA RULE #5 Names in Direct Address
Use commas to set off nouns in direct address. A noun in direct address is the name or title of a person being spoken to. Example: Mrs. Barnhart, I love learning grammar! I want to learn more about commas, Tracy, so I can be the best writer!

COMMA RULE #5, CONT. Names in Direct Address
Direct addresses may come at the beginning, the middle, or the end of a sentence. Madam, your package has arrived. We are ready, Mrs. Wright, to deliver it. Do you want us to attack, Coronel?

Where do the commas go in the following sentences? Claire have you ever traveled on a ship? I have traveled to Alaska Mr. Hess on a cruise ship. Are you ready to eat Bryan?

Which ones are correct? A. Mrs. Brown you are the greatest teacher ever! B. Mrs. Brown, you are the greatest teacher ever! C. You are the greatest teacher ever, Mrs. Brown! D. You are the greatest teacher ever Mrs. Brown ! E. You are, Mrs. Brown the greatest teacher ever! F. You are Mrs. Brown, the greatest teacher ever! G. You are, Mrs. Brown, the greatest teacher ever! Purdue University Writing Lab

PRACTICE… Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where needed. Excuse me Mister where is West Elm Street? Did you enjoy your trip down the Ohio River Dale? 2. Create your own example sentence. _______________________________________ _______________________________________

HOMEWORK EXERCISES PAGE 491
Writer’s Choice Text Book Page 491-Review rules 1-5 Page 492-Exercises 2 & 3 Follow directions completely. DUE THURSDAY!!!

Homework: Worksheet practice-QUIZ TOMORROW
Use your Comma Rule Guide to insert commas in the following sentences. Be sure to use the “comma insert” proofreading symbol. Write the rule number that explains why the comma is needed in front of each of the sentences. Most people, naturally, would love to see Bigfoot. “Well done, my lad,” said the captain. 3. _____No one I think has sighted a Bigfoot on a subway train. 4. _____Beth Laural and Heather wrote a report on Lock Ness. 5. _____ As a matter of fact I was about to do my homework. 6. _____No one knows if Bigfoot is a man a myth or a monster. 7. _____This fish it was thought had been extinct for 70 million years. 8. _____In the Amazon I read somewhere there is a bird whose chicks have claws on its wings. 9. _____On the first Saturday in June the pool will open. … Comma Rules 1-5: 1. Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. 2. Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word or phrase. 3. Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. 4. Use a comma to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. 5. Use a comma or commas to set off names in direct address.

COMMA RULE #6 Compound Sentences
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence. A compound sentence is a sentence that combines two simple sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Steve opened the door, and the dog ran out. simple sentence simple sentence

COMMA RULE #6, CONT. Compound Sentences
Coordinating Conjunctions For And Nor But Or Yet So Hey! That spells FANBOYS!!!

Sentence Structure: Compound Sentence
A sentence that contains two simple sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. A coordinating conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. FAN BOYS Conjunctions for and nor but or yet so Key Concepts: This slide explains the structure of a compound sentence and the role of a conjunction. An easy method for remembering the seven coordinating conjunctions is the acronym “fan boys.” Click mouse at the end of the first column. Click mouse at the end of the conjunction list to reveal the acronym.

Find the coordinating conjunctions in the following sentences: The theater rehearsed in the morning, and they performed the play in the afternoon. You can take the elevator, or you can walk up the stairs to the third floor. I could take the train downtown, yet I will still be late for the presentation. You may arrive early to the performance, but you will still have to wait outside.

A common mistake: This morning Maria planted vegetables and, this afternoon she planted fruit trees. This morning Maria planted vegetables, and this afternoon she planted fruit trees.

Add commas where needed in the following sentences: Julia read the book but Alex saw the movie. The baby whined and cried so his mother comforted him. My coach helps me during the week and my mother works with me over the weekend. I thought the test was easy yet I still did poorly.

PRACTICE… 1. Copy the examples, inserting the comma(s) where needed. The boys played football and the girls cheered on the sideline. The weather man said it would rain today so I brought my umbrella with me. 2. Create your own example sentence. _______________________________________ _______________________________________

A Common Comma Error: The Comma Splice
A comma splice is an error in which two sentences are joined by a comma. No conjunction is written!!! We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon. S V S V Key Concepts: One of the most prevalent comma errors is the comma splice—the placement of a comma between two independent clauses. The Internet has revolutionized the business world, S V online sales have increased dramatically this year. S V

To Correct a Comma Splice
Insert a conjunction between the two sentences. -Or- start a new sentence. -Or- insert a semi-colon between the two sentences. 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. We had a nice time; I hope we can meet again soon. Key Concepts: This slide enumerates several methods for correcting comma splices. The examples listed here are corrections of the comma splices in the previous slide.

COMMA RULE #7 In Letters Use a comma after the salutation (greeting) of a friendly letter and after the closing of a friendly and a business letter Dear Ben, Your friend, Sincerely, Bethany Natalia Gomez

COMMA RULE #7, CONT. In Letters
A common mistake: Dear, Morgan Your, friend Dear Morgan, Your friend,

COMMA RULE #8 To Prevent Misreading
Use a comma to prevent misreading. Instead of two five teachers made the trip. Instead of two, five teachers made the trip. In the field below the brook gurgled merrily. In the field below, the brook gurgled merrily.

COMMA RULE #8, CONT. To Prevent Misreading
Where do you think the comma should go in the following sentences? Until the week before Dad’s birthday shopping hadn’t seemed like a priority. To get through a tunnel must be built. After the ribbon cutting ceremony was over the bridge was officially opened. After washing and grooming the dog was ready for the show. When violently angry elephants trumpet. From inside the house appeared much smaller.

Rules 6-8 Homework Writer’s Choice Review rules p
Rules 6-8 Homework Writer’s Choice Review rules p. 493 complete exercises 4 & 5 on p.494 Purdue University Writing Lab

HOMEWORK Use your Comma Rule Guide to insert commas in the following sentences. Be sure to use the “comma insert” proofreading symbol. Write the rule number that explains why the comma is needed in front of each of the sentences. 1. _____Dear Aunt Millie 2. _____Instead of New York Boston was our choice. 3. _____Hakeem weeded the garden and his mom picked the vegetables. 4. _____Felipe’s first language is Spanish and Andre speaks French. 5. _____Instead of twelve six players got new uniforMrs. Comma Rules 6-8: 6. Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in a compound sentence. 7. Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of both a friendly letter and a business letter. 8. Use a comma to prevent misreading. Purdue University Writing Lab

COMMA RULE #9 In Dates No Commas!
Use a comma before and after the year when it is used with both the month and the day. The ship struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank early the next morning. Do not use a comma if only the month and the year or the month and the day are given. The ship sank in April 1912 on its first voyage. The ship sailed on April 14 in the morning. No Commas!

COMMA RULE #9, CONT. In Dates
Where do the commas belong in the following examples? The Declaration of Independence was actually signed by the delegates in August 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ryan reminded his cousins, “My eleventh birthday party will be April at the skating rink.” Ona left Charleston, South Carolina, when she was ten, and she did not return until October in the evening.

Writers, even adults, usually forget to put the comma after the date in a sentence. Think about how you can remember to put the comma after the date if the sentence continues. Mrs. Brown changed the world when she was born on April 8, 1987, at 6:13 am.

Why do you think there are no commas if just the month and year are written? My brother David was born September 1975 in the middle of the night. What about if just the month and day are written? Why isn’t there a comma here? My sister Lauren was born July 26 after our family summer picnic.

Dates actually can have four parts to them… 1. The day of the week. 2. The month. 3. The number of the day on the calendar. 4. The year On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant test over comma rules.

Another thought: There is no comma between the year and B.C. or the year and A.D. On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant test over comma rules. Purdue University Writing Lab

Consider the differences in the following: On Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D., there will be a giant test over comma rules. There will be a giant test over comma rules on Friday, March 9, 2012 A.D. There will be a giant test over comma rules on a Friday on March 9, 2012 A.D. There will be a giant test over comma rules on a Friday in March 2012 A.D.

COMMA RULE #10 In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries
Use commas before and after the name of a state or country when it is used with the name of a city. In Las Vegas, Nevada, we… DO NOT use a comma after the state if the state name is followed by a zip code. Las Vegas, Nevada 89052

COMMA RULE #10, CONT. In Addresses, Cities, States, and Countries
The ship was sailing from Southampton, England, to New York City. You can write to Leeza at 15 College Court, Stanford, CA The cattle were herded along the Chisholm Trail from San Antonio, Texas, to Abilene, Kansas.

COMMA RULE #11 Abbreviated Titles
Ph.D. D.D.S. B.S. Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off an abbreviated title (except Jr. and Sr.) or a degree following a person’s name. Dr. Mitchell Bowers, DVM, wrote… M.A. V.I.P. D.V.M. F.B.I. M.D. M.V.P.

COMMA RULE #11, CONT. Abbreviated Titles
Michelle Nakumura, Ph.D., will be the graduation speaker. Latisha Davis, M.D., is our family physician.

COMMA RULE #12 When too means “also”
Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off too when too means “also”. I want to shop at Macy's, too. I, too, want to shop at Macy's. I want to shop, too, while we're out. Do not use commas with too when to means “excess”. The prices at Macy’s were too high. I was too tired to shop at Macy’s

COMMA RULE #13 Commas with adjectives
Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. THE TEST: Can you put “and” between the adjectives? Can they be described in reverse order? If so, use a comma. Key Concepts: Students often find comma placement between adjectives to be tricky. The key is to determine if the adjectives are equal—meaning that they modify the noun in the same capacity. Adjectives of size and quantity are generally considered to be unequal to adjectives of character or quality. Placing “and” between adjectives or reversing the order of adjectives are good tests to determine if a comma is needed. big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, ungrateful man

Key Item Detail Commas Use a comma or pair of commas to set off an abbreviated title or degree following a person’s name. Ex. The first American woman to participate in a space mission was Sally Ride, Ph.D. Other Commas

Semicolons and colons Semicolons in Compound Sentences
Key Item Detail Semicolons in Compound Sentences Used to join parts of a compound sentence when a conjunction such as and, but or or is not used. Remember that a compound sentence has two or more simple sentences that are joined by a conjunction. Ex. The night was clear ; the stars were bright. Semicolons and colons

Semicolons and colons Semicolons with Items in a Series
Key Item Detail Semicolons with Items in a Series When there are commas within parts of a series, use a semicolon to separate the parts. Ex. John was from Ames, Iowa; Helen was from Las Vegas, Nevada; and Linda was from Rockford, Illinois. Semicolons and colons

Semicolons and colons Colons
Key Item Detail Colons Use a colon to introduce a list of items that ends a sentence. Use a phrase such as these, the following, or as follows before the list. Ex. A list of the greatest scientists in history usually begins with these names: Newton and Einstein. DO NOT use a colon immediately after a verb or a preposition. Semicolons and colons

Semicolons and colons Colons
Key Item Detail Colons Use a colon to separate the hour from the minute when you write the time of day. Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter. Ex. Dear Sir or Madam: Semicolons and colons

Quotation marks and italics
Key Item Detail Quotation Marks Rule 1 Use quotation marks before and after a direct quotation. A direct quotation is a speaker’s exact words. Ex- “These games are a challenge,” Joe declared. Quotation marks and italics

Key Item Detail Use quotation marks around each part of an interrupted quotation. Ex- “Shannon,” Anne asked, “are these the pants you bought last week?” Quotation Marks Rule 2 Quotation marks and italics

Key Item Detail Quotation Marks Rule 3 Use a comma or commas to separate a phrase such as he said from the quotation itself. Place the comma outside opening quotation marks but inside closing quotation marks. Ex- John declared, “These games are a challenge.” Ex- “These games,” Joe declared, “are a challenge.” Quotation marks and italics

Key Item Detail Quotation Marks Rule 4 Place a period inside closing quotation marks. Mrs. Brown said, “ The Cleveland Browns are the best.” Quotation marks and italics

Key Item Detail Quotation Marks Rule 5 Place a question mark or an exclamation mark inside the quotation mark when it is part of the quotation. Ex- “Oh no !” Nina cried. “Where’s my notebooks?” Quotation marks and italics

Key Item Detail Quotation Marks Rule 6 Place a question mark or an exclamation mark outside the quotation mark when it is part of the entire sentence but not part of the quotation. Ex- Did Francis say, “Buy me a Cleveland Browns jersey” ? Quotation marks and italics

Quotation Marks for Titles SCAPES Song “Moves Like Jagger” Chapter “ Summer Days,” from Charlotte’s Web Article “Hands and Hearts” Poem “Annabel Lee” Essay/Episode “Americans All” Story (short) “Scout’s Honor”

Italics for Titles Book Stuart Little Play The Miracle Worker Magazine/newspaper Time Movie/Television Series James and the Giant Peach CD Watch the Throne Epic Poem Odyssey Painting American Gothic Ship Queen Mary Train Twentieth-Century Limited Airplane or Spacecraft Columbia

Underlines for Titles **Underline when using handwriting to indicate words that should be in italics in printed material. Book Stuart Little Play The Miracle Worker Magazine/newspaper Time Movie/Television Series James and the Giant Peach CD Watch the Throne Epic Poem Odyssey Painting American Gothic Ship Queen Mary Train Twentieth-Century Limited Airplane or Spacecraft Columbia

An I ndirect quotation is a restatement, in somewhat different words, of what someone said. DO NOT USE quotation marks to set off an indirect quotation. Ex- The manager announced that the store is closing.

Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses
Key Item Detail Hyphens Rule 1 Use a hyphen to show the division of a word at the end of a line. Always divide a word between syllables. Correct Lad-der Be-tween Be-low Incorrect Ladd-er Bet-ween Bel-ow Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses

Key Item Detail Hyphens Rule 2 Rule 3 Use hyphens in certain compound words. Ex- self-made great-uncle great-grandmother brother-in-law Use hyphens in compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine. Ex- sixty-five pianos Forty-two experiments Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses

Key Item Detail Hyphens Rule 4 Use hyphens in spelled-out fractions, such as one-third and four-fifths. Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses

Key Item Detail Dashes Parentheses Use dashes to show an abrupt break in thought. Ex.- The Big Dipper - if I can find it- is in the northern sky. Use parentheses to set off material that is loosely related to the rest of the sentence. Ex- Orion (a hunter in Greek mythology) is also the name of a famous constellation. Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses

Apostrophes Apostrophes Rule 1
Key Item Detail Apostrophes Rule 1 Use an apostrophe to form the possessive of any noun, whether singular or plural. For a singular noun, add ‘s even if the word ends in s. Ex. Anthony’s backpack James’s flashlight Boy + ‘s= boy’s Sydney + ‘s= Sydney’s Apostrophes

Key Item Detail Apostrophes Rule 2 Use an apostrophe and an –s to form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in -s Ex. women’s Mice’s Apostrophes

Key Item Detail Apostrophes Rule 3 For a plural noun, add s’. If the word ends in s, add only an apostrophe. Ex. Campers’ sleeping bag rangers’ warnings DO NOT use an apostrophe in a possessive pronoun. Ex. These skates are hers. Theirs are in the car. Apostrophes

Apostrophes Apostrophes In contractions
Key Item Detail Apostrophes In contractions Use apostrophes in contractions to show where the letters have been left out. Ex. I am --- I’m They have--- They’ve DO NOT confuse contractions with possessive pronouns, which do not contain apostrophes. Apostrophes

Writing Numbers Rule 1 Rule 2
Key Item Detail Rule 1 Rule 2 Spell out numbers that you can write in one or two words. Ex. Six , sixty-six Use numerals for numbers of more than two words. Ex. 330 Writing Numbers

Key Item Detail Rule 3 Rule 4 Spell out any number that begins a sentence or reword the sentence so that it does not begin with a number. Ex. Fifty-Five thousand fans turned out for opening day. Write a very large number in numerals followed by the word million or billion Ex. In 1991 major league baseball attracted more than 56 million fans. Writing Numbers

Key Item Detail Rule 5 Rule 6 If related numbers appear in the same sentence, use all numerals even though you might spell out one of the numbers if it appeared alone. Ex. In 1953 the Dodgers won 105 games and lost 49. Spell out ordinal numbers (such as first, second, and third). Ex. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the majors. Writing Numbers

Key Item Detail Rule 7 Use words to express the time of day unless you are writing the exact time with abbreviations. Ex. Today’s baseball game began at two o’clock. Writing Numbers

Key Item Detail Rule 8 Use numerals to express dates, house and street numbers, apartment and room numbers, page numbers, amounts of money of more than two words, and percentages. Ex. May 16, 1865 241 Kobe Bryant Lane Apartment 3G 50 Percent Writing Numbers

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