1. The comma rules! ,

2. Commas are used after introductory words, phrases or clauses.

3. Starting a sentence with introductory words, phrases or clauses with a comma lets the reader know that the main idea of the sentence will come later.

4. 2. After circling the airport for an hour, we finally landed.
Use a comma to seperate introductory words, phrases or clauses from the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
1. Yes, I will go.
2. After circling the airport for an hour, we finally landed.
3. Although John needed help, he said nothing.

5. Commas are used with interrupters

6. Comma interrupters are used in a sentence to give additional information about the subject. The non essential words are enclose by commas. Including the interrupter word/words and commas makes for a more detailed and better sentence.

7. Use commas to set off words or groups of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. Example: 1. Anne, to tell the truth, was quite happy. Anne was quite happy. 2. The report, moreover, is all together innacurate. The report is all together innacurate.

8. Exercise A: Use commas to set off words correctly.

9. Instructions: Add commas where necessary.

10. 1. No I don’t think the library is open on sundays.,
1. No I don’t think the library is open on sundays.

11. 2. After circling the airport for an hour we finally landed.,

12. 3. Although the game was postponed until Friday we had practice every morning.,

13. 4. Yes I have finished the dishes.,
4. Yes I have finished the dishes.

14. 5. The exam however will be given as scheduled.,
5. The exam however will be given as scheduled. ,

15. ,
6. Mrs. Cassini to tell the truth was quite pleased with our pannel discussion. ,

16. 7. Since the cubs lost their last ten games they will not be in the play-offs.,

17. 8. The results of the student survey however will not be revealed until next week., ,

18. 9. No the mail has not been delivered.,
9. No the mail has not been delivered.

19. 10. Even though we arrived early we still didn’t get good seats for the basketball game.,

20. Exercise B: Use commas to set off words correctly.

21. 1. After we went on the hayride we had a barbecue and played volleyball.,

22. 2. Yes the garage has been cleaned out.,
2. Yes the garage has been cleaned out.

23. 3. The game consequentely was postponed.,
3. The game consequentely was postponed. ,

24. 4. The latest weather report however has predicted rain for the weekend., ,

25. 5. Although the heavy snow tied up the morning traffic most companies and businesses were open as usual. ,

26. 6. Yes the intramural track meet is tomorrow.,
6. Yes the intramural track meet is tomorrow.

27. 7. Since Mardi Gras is such a celebrated occasion in New Orleans most schools there take a holiday.,

28. 8. It is doubtful however that the weather will change our plans.,
8. It is doubtful however that the weather will change our plans. ,

29. 9. No the garage sale isn’t until next week.,
9. No the garage sale isn’t until next week.

30. 10. If you look carefully at these old tintypes you will see how different dress and housing used to be. ,

31. Summary:
We use commas daily. At times, if you don’t use them correctly, it could be very confusing to the reader. It could also change the sentence completly. Interrupters are the added words that make the sentence fuller and more detailed. A comma is a punctuation mark that we often use after introductory words, phrases or clauses.

32. Thank-you!

33. Sources: