using commas - piedra vista high...
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Why are commas important?
Items in a series
Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Interrupters
Conventional uses of commas
Review A
Review B
Using Commas
Why are commas important?
Problem: Unnecessary commas
My friend, Jessica, said she would feed my cat, and my dog while I’m away, but now, she tells me, she will be too busy.
Commas can help make the meaning of sentences clearer. In general, commas help separate or set apart elements in a sentence.
Too many commas can clutter the sentence and may confuse readers.
Why are commas important?
Problem: Missing commas
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha and Julie.
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Is this Ruth or Ruth Ann?
Is this Jerry or Jerry Lee?
Without commas, it is unclear how many friends are invited.
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Why are commas important?
Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear by separating the names in the list.
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann, Jerry Lee, Derrick, Martha, and Julie.
Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha Julie
[End of Section]
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Words in a series
Phrases in a series
All my cousins, aunts, and uncles came to our family reunion.
The children played in the yard, at the playground, and by the pond.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series Those who had flown to the reunion, who had driven many miles, or who had even taken time off from their jobs were glad that they had made the effort to be there.
Items in a series
If all items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do not use commas to separate them.
I need tacks and nails and a hammer.
Sam or Carlos or Yolanda will be able to baby-sit tomorrow.
She never whines nor lies nor picks on her brother.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Short independent clauses The engine roared, the wheels spun, and a cloud of dust swirled behind the sports car.
Two or more adjectives preceding a noun Are you going to that hot, crowded, noisy mall?
Items in a series
To find out if a comma goes between adjectives, insert and between them. If and fits sensibly, use a comma. Another trick is to reverse the order of the adjectives. If they make sense in reverse, you need a comma.
We had smooth and creamy broccoli soup. We had smooth, creamy broccoli soup.
We had creamy, smooth broccoli soup.
1. With a quick powerful leap, the stunt person bounded over the burning balcony.
2. One summer when we were little, I had mumps you had measles and he had chickenpox.
3. I took a flashlight a sleeping bag extra tennis shoes and a parka on our camping trip.
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
Items in a series
1. With a quick powerful leap, the stunt person bounded over the burning balcony.
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Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
Items in a series
2. One summer when we were little, I had mumps you had measles and he had chickenpox.
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
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3. I took a flashlight a sleeping bag extra tennis shoes and a parka on our camping trip.
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Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
On Your Own
Items in a series
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. The loud annoying alarm woke us just before dawn.
2. Robert Browning says that youth is good that middle age is better and that old age is best.
3. Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program.
[End of Section]
Items in a series
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. The loud annoying alarm woke us just before dawn.
2. Robert Browning says that youth is good that middle age is better and that old age is best.
3. Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program.
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Independent clauses
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses.
Hector pressed the button, and the engine started.
She would never argue, nor would she complain to anyone.
Are you going to the football game, or do you have other plans for Saturday?
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence.
Hector
subject verb
pressed the button.
The engine started.
subject verb
An independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
Independent clauses
Mara cleared the table and did the dishes.
One subject with two verbs is a compound verb.
Independent clauses
Do not be fooled by compound verbs, which can make a sentence look like a compound sentence. You do not need to use a comma between the parts of a compound verb.
1. She liked the story but she did not like the ending.
2. High school graduates may go on to college or may begin working immediately.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. A few rowdy spectators tried to grab the star so the bodyguards formed a ring around him.
Independent clauses
1. She liked the story but she did not like the ending.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
, M
Independent clauses
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
C2. High school graduates may go on to college or may begin working immediately.
Independent clauses
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
M3. A few rowdy spectators tried to grab the star so the bodyguards formed a ring around him.
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Independent clauses
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. It is important to know first aid for an accident can happen at almost any time.
2. More than eighty thousand people in the United States die in accidents each year and many millions are injured.
3. Emergency exits were clearly marked so people were able to evacuate quickly when the alarm sounded.
[End of Section]
Independent clauses
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. It is important to know first aid for an accident can happen at almost any time.
2. More than eighty thousand people in the United States die in accidents each year and many millions are injured.
3. Emergency exits were clearly marked so people were able to evacuate quickly when the alarm sounded.
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Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Hey, that’s an unusual pet you’re walking.
Yes, it’s my pet iguana.
Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or hey
Introductory words such as yes and no
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
Introductory participial phrases
At home and at school, I enjoy reading different books.
Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one.
By the time I get home from school, I am ready for a snack.
Introductory elements
A participial phrase is used as an adjective and consists of a participle and any complements or modifiers the participle has.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves. Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
participle
The participial phrase Switching on the flashlight modifies the word ranger.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
participial phrase
The participial phrase Disappointed by the high prices modifies the word we.
Disappointed by the high prices, we made up a new gift list. Disappointed by the high prices, we made up a new gift list. Disappointed by the high prices, we made up a new gift list.
participle participial phrase
Introductory elements
A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, the object of the preposition, and any modifiers of that object.
Near the door to the garage
prep. object of the prep. prepositional phrase.
Near the door to the garage Near the door to the garage Near the door to the garage
At the Natural Science Museum
prep. object of the prep.
At the Natural Science Museum At the Natural Science Museum
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
After he sang, the audience applauded.
Introductory elements
An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.
After he sang, the audience applauded.
Adverb clauses generally answer the questions how, when, where, why, how, how much, to what extent, or under what circumstances the action of the verb takes place.
After he sang tells when the audience applauded.
Introductory elements
A subordinate clause (or dependent clause) does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a sentence.
when you arrive at the airport in Dallas
which grow only locally
What happens when you arrive?
What grows?
1. In Mexico a favorite dish is a corn tortilla with beans.
2. If you’d like more variety in your diet you could add more whole grains to your meals.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
Introductory elements
3. Because the soybean is high in protein it has been a principal crop in Asian countries for more than five thousand years.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
Introductory elements
C1. In Mexico a favorite dish is a corn tortilla with beans.
M
Introductory elements
2. If you’d like more variety in your diet you could add more whole grains to your meals.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
Introductory elements
M
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. Because the soybean is high in protein it has been a principal crop in Asian countries for more than five thousand years.
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Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
2. Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
3. After one day at summer camp the boys knew that they would have a good time.
[End of Section]
Introductory elements
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
2. Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
3. After one day at summer camp the boys knew that they would have a good time.
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Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Nonessential clause
Tim Ricardo, hoping to make the swim team, practiced every day.
Nonessential phrase
Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) clause or phrase adds information that is not necessary to the main idea in the sentence.
Removing the nonessential clause does not change the main idea of the sentence.
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school. Eileen Murray wants to go to medical school.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases
Nonessential appositive
Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress, stars in the movie I rented.
Nonessential appositive phrase
Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) appositive or appositive phrase provides information that is unnecessary to the basic meaning of the sentence.
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Removing the nonessential appositive does not change the meaning of the sentence.
Their parrot is very gentle.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Linda, please read the poem aloud.
Direct address
I like the image of the birds in flight, Mr. Ryan.
Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.
Parenthetical expressions
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Of course, I am glad that he called me about the extra movie tickets.
She is, in fact, a dentist.
You should try out for quarterback, in my opinion.
Interrupters
Parenthetical expressions are side remarks that add information or relate ideas.
Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions after all generally speaking nevertheless at any rate however of course consequently I believe on the contrary for example in the first place on the other hand for instance moreover therefore
1. My favorite painting Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
2. Did you know Amy that one of Faith Ringgold’s story quilts sold for $40,000?
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
Interrupters
3. You are, I hope, planning to go to the museum with me.
1. My favorite painting Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
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Interrupters
M,
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
M
Interrupters
2. Did you know Amy that one of Faith Ringgold’s story quilts sold for $40,000?
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
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Interrupters
C
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. You are, I hope, planning to go to the museum with me.
Interrupters
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
[End of Section]
Interrupters
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
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Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations, such as dates, addresses, salutations and closings in letters, and certain titles and names.
After Friday, November 23, 2012, address all orders to Emeryville, CA 94608.
Separate items in dates and addresses
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Dear Mr. Arpajian,
After the salutation of a personal letter
After the closing of any letter
My dear Anna,
Sincerely, Yours very truly,
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr.
Abbreviations, such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons’ names.
Carol Ferrara, M.D., is our family doctor.
1. Marcia traveled to Tyler Texas last month.
2. My brother received a letter that began, “Dear John, There’s something I need to
tell you.”
Conventional uses of commas
3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15 1929.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Marcia traveled to Tyler Texas last month. ,
Conventional uses of commas
M,
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
C
Conventional uses of commas
2. My brother received a letter that began, “Dear John, There’s something I need to
tell you.”
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
Conventional uses of commas
M3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15 1929.
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
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Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Please address the envelope to Ms. Marybeth Correio 1255 S.E. 56th Street Bellevue WA 98006.
2. I glanced quickly at the end of the letter, which read, “Very sincerely yours Alice Ems Ph.D.”
3. On April 6 2014 the company will celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
[End of Section]
Conventional uses of commas
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Please address the envelope to Ms. Marybeth Correio 1255 S.E. 56th Street Bellevue WA 98006.
2. I glanced quickly at the end of the letter, which read, “Very sincerely yours Alice Ems Ph.D.”
3. On April 6 2014 the company will celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
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Review A
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
_____ 1. During the festival, businesses on Main Street will be open late.
_____ 2. Brittany Adam Christine and Leo are just four of the graduates who decorated their caps.
_____ 3. Joseph who works as a lifeguard in the summer has already taken the first-aid class.
[End of Section]
Review A
C
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
_____ 1. During the festival, businesses on Main Street will be open late.
_____ 2. Brittany Adam Christine and Leo are just four of the graduates who decorated their caps.
_____ 3. Joseph who works as a lifeguard in the summer has already taken the first-aid class.
M
M
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Review B
[End of Section]
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
1. My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more push-ups than I can.
2. Lance Martin was born June 21 2004 in Austin Texas.
3. When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited many historic landmarks.
4. She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a festival devoted to ecology.
5. Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles use the same road so many communities have provided bicycle lanes.
Review B
, Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
1. My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more push-ups than I can.
2. Lance Martin was born June 21 2004 in Austin Texas.
3. When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited many historic landmarks.
4. She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a festival devoted to ecology.
5. Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles use the same road so many communities have provided bicycle lanes.
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The End
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