1. Comma Rules!

2. Brain POP
Punctuation
Run-on sentences

3. COMMA RULE 1
Use a comma before “and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so” when there is a complete sentence on BOTH sides of these words. (compound sentence)
(independent clause) We went to the mall.
(independent clause) We did not buy anything.
We went to the mall, but we did not buy anything.

4. I read three books.
All of them were difficult to understand
I read three books, and all of them were difficult to understand.
Charlie went snowboarding, but he did not enjoy being cold.

5. (independent clause) We are on vacation
(dependent clause) having a wonderful time
We are on vacation and having a wonderful time. (no comma)

6. (Run-on Sentences)
Do not use commas to separate sentences. USE PERIODS!
My dad loves baseball, he is a Dodger fan. (wrong)
My dad loves baseball. He is a Dodger fan. (right)

7. While we were on the freeway, a policeman pulled us over.
COMMA RULE #2
Use a comma when a sentence begins with a dependent clause.
While we were on the freeway, a policeman pulled us over.
If you give a mouse a cookie, he will want a glass of milk.

8. COMMA RULE #3 Use a comma between three or more items in a series.
My dog is brown, black, gray, and white.
On Saturday we went to the mall, out to lunch, and then to a movie.

9. COMMA RULE #4
Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.
The spring picnic, planned for months, is on Saturday.
My favorite aunt, who is a teacher, will drive us to the concert.

10. COMMA RULE #5
Use a comma to offset an introductory word or phrase.
Yes, it is going to rain again today.
Luckily, I brought my umbrella with me.

11. COMMA RULE #6
When addressing someone (talking directly to them), set off that person’s name or title with commas.
Sally, will you help me?
You, sir, are being very rude!
Do you have any more gift cards, Ms. Moreno?

12. COMMA RULE #7
Use a comma between days, dates, and years.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I was born on January 5, 2001, on a Saturday.

13. COMMA RULE #8 and 9
Use a comma after the salutation in a friendly letter.
Dear Mrs. Jones,
Dear Johnny,
Dear Mom,
When writing a letter, use a comma after the complimentary closing.
Very truly yours,
Love,
Sincerely,

14. COMMA RULE #10
Use a comma between cities and states, but NOT between states and zip codes.
Walnut, CA
Honolulu, HI
West Covina, CA