“Where does that

comma go???”

,
There are many different ways
,
to use a comma! ,
, Let’s learn ,
, ,
them all!
,
 First of all… “What is a
comma?”
Definition:
Definition A type of punctuation used to

,
separate words or groups of words so

, ,
that the meaning of the sentence is clear.

, , Apostrophe Apostrophes
are at the

, ,
top; commas
Don’t get a comma are at the
bottom!
confused with an
apostrophe!
 Rule #1: USE COMMAS FOR ITEMS IN
A SERIES

Words, Phrases, and Clauses in a series are usually separated

by commas to show the reader where one item in the series
ends and the next begins.

In the early morning, the lake looked cold, gray, and calm.
On the boat, we took extra clothes, fishing poles, and some snacks.
 Phrases in a Series
,
Checking his shoelaces fastening his helmet strap and ,
,
positioning his kneepads Brandon prepared for the
skateboarding competition.
What is a phrase
again?!

Where do A group of words that

does not have a S & V

the
together

commas
go?
 Clauses in a
Series
The lights dimmed,the curtain rose ,
and the play began.
We didn’t know where we were going ,
how we would get there,or when we
would arrive.
Where do the
commas go?
What is a clause again?

Group of words with a S & V. It can stand alone.

 Rule #2 –Use commas to separate 2 or
more adjectives before a noun

,
Pomeranians are small energetic dogs.

, ,
These intelligent loyal playful pets
always enjoy a challenge.
NOTE! *If all of the items in a series
and
Repeated Conjunction are joined by and, or, or nor, and
do NOT use commas to
separate them! and
and
or
or
I voted for Corey
and Mona and or
Ethan in the nor
Example student council
election. nor
nor
 STEPS:
1. Get in groups of 4 (with people beside
you).
2. Take out a piece of paper: 1 per group.
3. Write down 1 sentence using words in a
series, 1 sentence using phrases in a
series, & 1 sentence using clauses in a
series with commas used correctly.
4. The 1st group done correctly wins a
prize!!!!
Let’s Practice! Items in a Series!

,
Place commas where needed!
1. The delicate colorful wings of the hummingbird vibrate as
many as two hundred times each second.

,
2. The cool soft wind blew across the forest.

, ,
3. Last week I read the novel The Lucky Stone the short story
Flowers for Algernon and the poem Legacy II.

, , ,
4. I want to visit Thailand Nepal
China and Japan.

,
5. I sanded the the boards Jennifer

,
primed them and Paul painted them.
Rule # 3: Compound Sentences: Use a comma
before a coordinating conjunction when it joins
independent clauses in a compound sentence.
I enjoyed A Christmas Carol ,
FANBOYS but Romeo and Juliet is still my
favorite play.

So I enjoy plays and movies.

For Yet No comma needed b/c there
are not 2 independent clauses.

And Or I enjoy going to plays and ,

Nor But my sister likes them too.
2 Indep. Clauses & a Conjunction so we need a
comma!
 STEPS:
1. Get a Partner
2. Take out your lined index card
3. Lined side: Write 5 sentences
using 1 coord. conj. in each
sentence & do NOT use commas.
4. Unlined side: Write the same 5
sentences using commas.
5. Give to Mrs. Duncan when done!
Rule #4: Interrupters/Appositives
Use commas to set off an expression
that interrupts a sentence
2 commas are used with interrupters: 1 goes before the
expression, and 1 goes after.

EXAMPLE: What’s the interrupter?

,
Elise born in Texas moved to
Colorado before coming to Ohio.
,
So where do the commas go?
 Interrupters Continued…
Some interrupting expressions come at the beginning or
end of a sentence. In this case, only 1 comma is needed.

,
Born in Texas Elise moved to Colorado before coming
to Ohio.
The applications were mailed three days ago by the
way.
,
Where does
the comma
go?
Nonessential & Essential…there’s
a difference
A.K.A. Needed & Not Needed
Nonessential
Definition:
A phrase or clause that is not needed in a
sentence. Doesn’t take away from the meaning.
Example:

This small turtle, crossing

the street slowly, was in
danger.
Essential Definition: NO COMMAS
NEEDED!
Adds info that makes the N or Prn it
identifies more specific. DO NOT SET
OFF AN ESSENTIAL PHRASE!!!

Example:
All farmers growing the new hybrid corn
should have a good harvest.
We need this info or the sentence changes
meaning totally! SO… no commas needed!
 Let’s Practice a Few…
, ,
1. Leonardo Dicaprio the actor has appeared in many films.

2. The composer Mozart wrote 5 short piano pieces when he was 6.

Correct!

,
3. The card game canasta is descended from mah-jongg an
ancient Chinese game.
Rule # 5: Introductory Words and Phrases

Use a comma after certain introductory elements.

Focusing on Words 1st:

Use a comma to set off a mild exclamation such as:
well, oh, or why at the beginning of a sentence.
Other words such as yes and no are also set off with
commas!

Examples: “Where should the

, comma
1. Well I think we should go? ” help.
ask for

,
2. Yes I understand the problem.
Rule #6 Use a comma after an
introductory dependent clause
Because Though
Since Although
When Unless
While After
Until Before
If Once
As Whether

Example: After the sun goes down in the

,
desert the temperature falls rapidly.
If an introductory prep. phrase is short, a
comma MAY or MAY NOT be used!

EXAMPLES:

In the morning, we’ll tour our favorite

sites.
In the morning we’ll tour our favorite sites.

Either way works!!!

Commas with Verbal Phrases!

Use a comma after a verbal

phrase that introduces a
sentence!

Examples:

Signaling the referee for a

time out, the coach gathered
her players for a pep talk.

,
To keep your bones strong be sure
to eat foods rich in calcium. Gumball Question!: What
is a verbal phrase?
 HINT!
When
you’re
writing…
As a general rule…
When you start a
sentence with a phrase
or a clause, usually you
need a comma after it!
RULE # 7:Conventional Situations (Dates,
Addresses, Letters)

1. Dates & Addresses

Where should the commas go in the

following examples?
January 7,2010
Mike Jones
1456 Palm Lane

,
Lakewood California 87653
 Fix any 1113 Collins St .
mistakes in ,
Fort Worth TX 76106
the letter! ,
September 16 2010

Dear Aunt Sally ,

What a great time I had at
your house last week Your !
,
two dogs Buffy and Pepper ,
certainly kept me entertained .
I’ve really missed taking
them for walks and playing
.
fetch When summer begins ,
I could come visit again .
,
Anyway thank you very
much for inviting me.
Sincerely ,
James Nice Job!
“Congratulations!”
“Now You’re a
Comma Pro!!!”