The

5Sentence Structures

It’s time to take some notes……..

#1 Commas in a Series• A series is a number of similar things in a row.• Commas are used between words or phrases in a series. • Ex: The cashier put the pennies, nickels, and dimes in separate piles. • Ex: Emma put her trapper, lunch box, and homework folder in her

locker. • However! In modern writing, it is customary to NOT put the comma

after the second item. Many authors or journalists omit the second comma to save space!

• Ex: The baker made cookies, pies and cakes for the party.• Q: Why is it better to use it rather than not use it? A: In cases where it

makes the last two items appear to be a “unit.” (butter-and-eggs)

• Ex: He went to the store to buy milk, butter and eggs.• Rule of thumb:

“Put one less comma than the number of items in the series.”• Write your own example!

#2 Commas for Interrupters

• We sometimes interrupt a sentence to put in one or more words for clearness or emphasis. These words are less important than the rest of the sentences, but they serve a purpose.

• Ex: The snow, however, soon melted.• Ex: No, the Weller’s aren’t moving.• Ex: Frank went, by the way, to Washington. • Write your own example!

Excuse me…

#3Compound Sentences• A compound sentence is made by joining two separate

sentences. • A compound sentence is made up of two or more

independent clauses. Each sentence could stand alone!

• We use the conjunction and, but or or to combine them.• Ex: We talked to the pilot, and we asked a question. • Write your own example!

#4 Appositive Phrases

• Use commas to set off appositives and appositives phrases that are not necessary to the meaning of the sentences.

• An appositive is a noun or pronoun that identifies another noun or pronoun beside it.

• Ex: A gymnast, Mr. Shaw, will coach us. • Ex: I am interested in geology, the study of earth

and rocks. • Write your own example!

A-what??

#5 Introductory Phrases• Commas should be used to separate a longer phrase or

clause that comes before the main part of the sentence.• Introductory means “leading into.”• An introductory paragraph leads into a story.• An introductory remark leads into the speech.• An introductory phrase or clause leads into the

statement.• Ex: On my way to school, I saw an unusual sight.• Ex: If the weather allows, you can borrow my coat. • Write your own example!

Once upon a time, …

Don’t forget to study these notes!

Don’t let them get lost in space!