CommasCommas

Rule 1: Items in a seriesRule 1: Items in a series

Add a comma when putting three or more items in a Add a comma when putting three or more items in a series. (nouns, verbs, or adjectives)series. (nouns, verbs, or adjectives)

Example:Example:

My favorite foods to eat are My favorite foods to eat are pizza, chicken, and pizza, chicken, and macaroni.macaroni.

Rule #2: Word Groups in Rule #2: Word Groups in a Series:a Series:

Ex. At the beach, we Ex. At the beach, we swam, built sand castles, swam, built sand castles, and played volleyball.and played volleyball. (predicates) (predicates)

Ex. I searched for the lost contact lens Ex. I searched for the lost contact lens in the in the sink, on the counter, and on the floor.sink, on the counter, and on the floor. (prepositional phrases)(prepositional phrases)

Ex. Please punch the time card Ex. Please punch the time card when you when you arrive, when you take lunch, and when you arrive, when you take lunch, and when you leaveleave. (subordinate clauses). (subordinate clauses)

Rule 3: 2 or more Rule 3: 2 or more AdjectivesAdjectives

When there are 2 or When there are 2 or more adjectives more adjectives together, you have to together, you have to put a comma put a comma between them.between them.

Example:Example:

Most kids of today Most kids of today do not have spotless, do not have spotless, clean rooms.clean rooms.

Rule #3: 2 Plus Rule #3: 2 Plus Adjectives (cont.)Adjectives (cont.)

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun.that come before a noun.

Test to see whether a comma is needed between Test to see whether a comma is needed between two adjectives:two adjectives:

Test # 1: insert “and” between the adjectives. If it Test # 1: insert “and” between the adjectives. If it sounds awkward there, do NOT use a comma.sounds awkward there, do NOT use a comma.

Test #2: Switch the order of the adjectives. If the Test #2: Switch the order of the adjectives. If the sentence still makes sense when you switch them, sentence still makes sense when you switch them, use a comma.use a comma.

Rule #3: 2 Plus Rule #3: 2 Plus Adjectives: ExamplesAdjectives: Examples

Ex. Pita is a round, flat bread of the Middle East.Ex. Pita is a round, flat bread of the Middle East.

Ex. James Earl Jones certainly has a deep, strong, Ex. James Earl Jones certainly has a deep, strong, commanding voice.commanding voice.

Ex. Alexander and I found an old, rusty bicycle in Ex. Alexander and I found an old, rusty bicycle in the vacant lot down the street.the vacant lot down the street.

Rule 4: Compound Rule 4: Compound SentenceSentence

Use a comma in a Use a comma in a compound sentence compound sentence to separate two to separate two independent clauses.independent clauses.

Example:Example:

I love to swim and I love to swim and play in water, but my play in water, but my cat hates it.cat hates it.

Rule #4: Compound Rule #4: Compound SentencesSentences

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins 2 independent clauses.joins 2 independent clauses.

Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYSCoordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS

Ex. Theo will bring the potato salad, and Sarah will bring the Ex. Theo will bring the potato salad, and Sarah will bring the apple juice.apple juice.

Ex. Congress passed the bill, but I believe the president Ex. Congress passed the bill, but I believe the president vetoed it.vetoed it.

Ex. I went to bed early, for I had a big day ahead of me. Ex. I went to bed early, for I had a big day ahead of me.

Compound Verbs:Compound Verbs:

Warning: Make sure that you have a compound Warning: Make sure that you have a compound sentence, not just a compound verbs. sentence, not just a compound verbs.

Do NOT get “comma happy” just because you see Do NOT get “comma happy” just because you see a coordinating conjunction.a coordinating conjunction.

Compound sentence: the 2Compound sentence: the 2ndnd independent clause independent clause will NOT start with a verb after the comma and will NOT start with a verb after the comma and coordinating conjunction.coordinating conjunction.

Simple Sentence: We ran relay races first and then Simple Sentence: We ran relay races first and then ate lunch. (compound verb)ate lunch. (compound verb)

Compound Sentence: We ran relay races first, and Compound Sentence: We ran relay races first, and then we ate lunch. (compound sentence)then we ate lunch. (compound sentence)

Rule 5: Introductory Rule 5: Introductory Subordinate Clauses: (Complex Subordinate Clauses: (Complex Sentence)Sentence)

When you have an When you have an introductory introductory subordinate clausesubordinate clause in a sentence, in a sentence, you are going to need a comma to you are going to need a comma to separate it from the independent clause.separate it from the independent clause.

Example:Example:

If you thought that was funIf you thought that was fun, wait till you , wait till you try this.try this.

Rule 6: APPOSITIVESRule 6: APPOSITIVESUnnecessary=ADD COMMASUnnecessary=ADD COMMAS

Appositives=word or phrase that adds Appositives=word or phrase that adds information to the sentence to give more information to the sentence to give more details.details.

If information is NOT necessary to the If information is NOT necessary to the meaning of the sentence=USE COMMAS to meaning of the sentence=USE COMMAS to separate in front of and after the appositive.separate in front of and after the appositive.

Examples:Examples:

1.This book is about geology, the science of 1.This book is about geology, the science of the earth and its rocks.the earth and its rocks.

2. Two cold drinks, lemonade and punch, were 2. Two cold drinks, lemonade and punch, were available to the guests at the party.available to the guests at the party.

Rule # 6 Appositives:Rule # 6 Appositives:Unnecessary=Use Commas Unnecessary=Use Commas (cont).(cont).

Use commasUse commas to set off appositives and to set off appositives and appositive phrases that are NOT NECESSARY appositive phrases that are NOT NECESSARY to the meaning of a sentence. to the meaning of a sentence.

Appositive=a noun or pronoun that identifies or Appositive=a noun or pronoun that identifies or describes another noun or pronoun beside it. describes another noun or pronoun beside it.

APPOSITIVES=NOT NECESSARY=COMMASAPPOSITIVES=NOT NECESSARY=COMMAS Ex. The gymnast, Mrs. Shaw, will coach us.Ex. The gymnast, Mrs. Shaw, will coach us.

Ex. This book is about geology, the science of Ex. This book is about geology, the science of the earth and its rocks.the earth and its rocks.

Rule #7 APPOSITIVES Rule #7 APPOSITIVES NECESSARY: Don’t use NECESSARY: Don’t use commascommas

If the appositive information in NECESSARY, If the appositive information in NECESSARY, you DO NOT NEED COMMAS.you DO NOT NEED COMMAS.

Examples: Examples: My cousin Robert lives in San Francisco, My cousin Robert lives in San Francisco,

California.California. The character Alice is based on Alice Liddell.The character Alice is based on Alice Liddell. My friend Beth Brandon lives in McMinnvile.My friend Beth Brandon lives in McMinnvile.

Cross-Curricular Cross-Curricular Connections:Connections:

Take a look in your science or social Take a look in your science or social books. Point out 3 appositives to a books. Point out 3 appositives to a partner.partner.

Rule 8: # Interrupters:Rule 8: # Interrupters:

Use 2 commas to set off an expression that Use 2 commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence-interrupts a sentence-one at beginning and one one at beginning and one at the end.at the end.

1. My favorite band, BeBe and CeCe Winans, 1. My favorite band, BeBe and CeCe Winans, was on TV last night.was on TV last night.

2. Our hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, greeted us 2. Our hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, greeted us at the entrance.at the entrance.

3. Charlotte, my mom, was on her laptop and 3. Charlotte, my mom, was on her laptop and watching the Biggest Loser.watching the Biggest Loser.

Rule #9 : DIRECT Rule #9 : DIRECT ADDRESSADDRESS

Use 2 commas to set off an expression that Use 2 commas to set off an expression that directly addresses someone in the middle of a directly addresses someone in the middle of a sentence—sentence—oneone before and one after the before and one after the expression.expression.

Examples:Examples: As you leave, As you leave, JesseJesse, please close the door , please close the door

quietly.quietly. You’re right, You’re right, ChadChad, to say he was a Mexican , to say he was a Mexican

general.general.

Rule # 9 (cont.) Direct Rule # 9 (cont.) Direct Address Address

Introductory or Ending Introductory or Ending

Use one comma after an introductory direct Use one comma after an introductory direct address or direct address at the end of a address or direct address at the end of a sentence.sentence.

How did you like karate class today, How did you like karate class today, KamiKami?? Ms. JacobsMs. Jacobs, please explain the assignment., please explain the assignment. Do you know who Santa Anna was, Do you know who Santa Anna was, BethBeth??

Historical Direct AddressHistorical Direct Address

Think of a favorite historical figure. Write Think of a favorite historical figure. Write 3 sentences about this person’s life 3 sentences about this person’s life addressed to this person. Think of addressed to this person. Think of serious or humorous sentences.serious or humorous sentences.

Ex. Ex. Abe LincolnAbe Lincoln, I wish you hadn’t gone , I wish you hadn’t gone to see that play.to see that play.

““Real Literature: Chapter Real Literature: Chapter Books”Books”

Think, Pair, Share: Go on a scavenger hunt in Think, Pair, Share: Go on a scavenger hunt in your own chapter books that your are reading your own chapter books that your are reading to find one of each:to find one of each:

necessary appositive (no commas), (1)necessary appositive (no commas), (1) unnecessary appositive (use commas), (1)unnecessary appositive (use commas), (1) direct address (1)direct address (1) Write down the chapter book title, the sentence Write down the chapter book title, the sentence

using this skill, and page number that you using this skill, and page number that you found each sentence. found each sentence.

Rule 10: Mild Interjections: Rule 10: Mild Interjections: use a commause a comma

Mild Interjections: Mild Interjections: Yes, No, Well,Yes, No, Well,

Shows emotion and Shows emotion and interrupts a interrupts a sentence.sentence.

Example:Example: YesYes, I want to go , I want to go

camping at Harrison camping at Harrison Bay State Park Bay State Park during Spring Break.during Spring Break.

Rule 11: Introductory Rule 11: Introductory Prepositional PhrasePrepositional Phrase

If you have an introductory prepositional phrase or If you have an introductory prepositional phrase or phrases, you must put a comma after it. phrases, you must put a comma after it.

Example:Example:

At midnightAt midnight, the hungry coyotes searched for food in , the hungry coyotes searched for food in

garbage cansgarbage cans..

Rule #12 Introductory Rule #12 Introductory Subordinate Clauses Subordinate Clauses (Adverb Clauses):(Adverb Clauses):

Use a comma after an introductory adverb Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause.clause.

Ex. Ex. After the show is overAfter the show is over, we will go out to eat., we will go out to eat.

NOTE: An adverb clause at the end of the NOTE: An adverb clause at the end of the sentence usually is NOT preceded by a sentence usually is NOT preceded by a comma.comma.

Ex. We will go out to eat Ex. We will go out to eat after the show is over.after the show is over.

Rule 13 : Greeting of a Rule 13 : Greeting of a friendly letterfriendly letter

When beginning a When beginning a friendly letter, put friendly letter, put Dear ____, and after Dear ____, and after their name put a their name put a comma.comma.

Example:Example:

Dear John,Dear John,

Dear Mom,Dear Mom,

Dear Donald,Dear Donald,

Rule #13B: Greetings in a Rule #13B: Greetings in a Business LetterBusiness Letter

The greeting in a business letter uses a The greeting in a business letter uses a COLONCOLON, NOT A COMMA,, NOT A COMMA, after the after the salutation or greeting in a letter.salutation or greeting in a letter.

Ex. Dear Mr. HondorusEx. Dear Mr. Hondorus:: Ex. Dear Mr. PresidentEx. Dear Mr. President:: Ex. Dear SirEx. Dear Sir::

Rule #14: Closing in a Rule #14: Closing in a Friendly LetterFriendly Letter

Yours truly,Yours truly, Sincerely,Sincerely, Your Friend,Your Friend, Love,Love,

Rule 15: City, StateRule 15: City, State When you have a city and a state When you have a city and a state

together in a sentence, you have to put a together in a sentence, you have to put a comma between them.comma between them.

ExampleExample

I used to live in a place called I used to live in a place called Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Rule #15 City, Country Rule #15 City, Country (cont.)(cont.)

Rome, ItalyRome, Italy Athens, GreeceAthens, Greece

NOTE: NO punctuation is used between NOTE: NO punctuation is used between the state abbreviation and ZIP code.the state abbreviation and ZIP code.

Cerritos, Cerritos, CA 90701CA 90701

Rule # 15: Street AddressRule # 15: Street Address

Note: A comma does NOT separate a Note: A comma does NOT separate a house number from a street address.house number from a street address.

EX. My aunt lived at EX. My aunt lived at 41 Jefferson Street41 Jefferson Street, , Northfield, Minnesota, since 2008.Northfield, Minnesota, since 2008.

Ex. Bill Cosby was born on Ex. Bill Cosby was born on July 12July 12, 1937, , 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rule 16: DatesRule 16: Dates NOTE: When you have a date in a NOTE: When you have a date in a

sentence, you put a comma between the sentence, you put a comma between the day of the week and the month, AND day of the week and the month, AND day of the month and year.day of the month and year.

Ex. Did you know that I was born on Ex. Did you know that I was born on Saturday, June 5, 1998Saturday, June 5, 1998??

Ex. He made his stage debut on Ex. He made his stage debut on May May 25, 1928, in London25, 1928, in London..

Rule #16: Dates: Rule #16: Dates:

Note: A comma separates the last item in Note: A comma separates the last item in a date or in an address from the words a date or in an address from the words that follow it. that follow it.

However, a comma does NOT separate However, a comma does NOT separate a month from a day.a month from a day.

Ex. Bill Cosby was born on Ex. Bill Cosby was born on July 12July 12, 1937, , 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Write a Friendly Letter:Write a Friendly Letter:

Write a friendly letter to Kevin Culp, Write a friendly letter to Kevin Culp, Officer Culp’s son, thanking him for his Officer Culp’s son, thanking him for his service for our country. Kevin has just service for our country. Kevin has just returned home last week from serving in returned home last week from serving in another country. another country.

Be careful with your commas:Be careful with your commas: Use 5 parts of a friendly letter:Use 5 parts of a friendly letter:

5 Parts of a Friendly 5 Parts of a Friendly Letter:Letter:

Heading: street address :8426 Bird RoadHeading: street address :8426 Bird Roadcity, state zipcity, state zipFriday, March 6, 2013.Friday, March 6, 2013.

Greeting: Dear Mr. Culp,Greeting: Dear Mr. Culp, Body (3 long paragraphs about yourself, what it Body (3 long paragraphs about yourself, what it

means to you to have your safety due to means to you to have your safety due to military services, and thanking him for his military services, and thanking him for his services and the sacrifices that he’s made.)services and the sacrifices that he’s made.)

Closing: Your friend,Closing: Your friend, Signature: Your First Name OnlySignature: Your First Name Only

Friendly Letter Format:Friendly Letter Format:

701 East Main Street701 East Main StreetMurfreesboro, TN Murfreesboro, TN

3713037130March 6, 2013March 6, 2013

Dear Mr. Kevin Culp,Dear Mr. Kevin Culp,3 paragraph body: (indent each new paragraph) 3 paragraph body: (indent each new paragraph) 11stst paragraph about yourself: school, activities, hobbies paragraph about yourself: school, activities, hobbies 22ndnd paragraph: what it means to you to have your safety due paragraph: what it means to you to have your safety due

to military service; why it is importantto military service; why it is important33rdrd paragraph: thanking him for his services and the sacrifices paragraph: thanking him for his services and the sacrifices

that he’s made.that he’s made.Your Friend,Your Friend,First NameFirst Name77thth grade gradeCentral Magnet SchoolCentral Magnet School

Rule 17: QuotationsRule 17: Quotations When writing some ones quotation, you have When writing some ones quotation, you have

to put a comma between the speaker and their to put a comma between the speaker and their begging quotation mark.begging quotation mark.

Example:Example:

My little cousin jumped back and screamedMy little cousin jumped back and screamed,, “I “I hate spiders!”hate spiders!”

Work CitedWork Cited http://http://

grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htmgrammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm http://http://

www.englishclub.com/grammar/interjections.htmwww.englishclub.com/grammar/interjections.htm http://http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/appositive.htmwww.chompchomp.com/terms/appositive.htm http://http://

www.montanalife.com/writing/Comma_Rules.htmlwww.montanalife.com/writing/Comma_Rules.html http://http://www.northland.cc.mn.us/owl/comma_rules.htmwww.northland.cc.mn.us/owl/comma_rules.htm