COMMAS!!

All the rules you need to know to avoid COMMA DRAMA!

Commas

Abuse• Comma abuse is a common occurrence. • If a writer leaves out commas, then too much

information in the sentence runs together and the writing will lack clarity.

• If a writer puts in too many commas, then information that should be connected becomes separated and the writing will confuse readers.

Commas

• The comma is a punctuation mark that is used to keep distinct information separated. It helps the reader understand how the ideas in the sentence work together.

• Although many writers benefit from reading aloud commas as pauses while proofreading, a comma does not always represent a pause in a spoken sentence.

• When speaking, people pause for many reasons, and placing commas in at all points where you would pause often leads to misplaced commas. You are better served by learning the rules of comma usage!

Comma AbuseCommas save lives

•Let’s eat, Kevin.•Let’s eat Kevin.

Comma Abuse

Commas ABUSE

Comma Abuse

Comma Abuse

Comma Abuse

Comma Abuse

Comma Rule #1

• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) that separates two independent clauses.

• Examples:– The Steelers had a great game against the Giants,

but they still have several more games to play.– Catching Fire is the second novel in the Hunger

Games series, and the movie that is based on the book comes out in the fall.

Practice Rule #1

Place the comma in the correct spot.• Mrs. Sellars’ classes really enjoyed learning

about commas and clauses.• Lonnie didn’t understand the material so he

asked Mark if he could tutor him.• Lisa went to Philadelphia to find her prom

dress but Lacey ended up making it for her.

Comma Rule #2• Use a comma after introductorya. clausesb. phrasesc. words that come before the independent clause.• Examples– While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.– With sweat pouring down his face, the point guard

stepped up to the line.– Slowly, she crept up the creaky stairs.

Comma Rule #2

• Do not place a comma in the sentence when the dependent clause/phrase follows the independent clause.

• Examples:– The cat scratched at the door while I was eating.– The point guard stepped up to the line with sweat

dripping down his face.

Practice with Rules 1-2

• Due to its strong winds and large size Typhoon Haiyan destroyed much of the city of Tacloban.

• The typhoon that hit the Philippines was one of the deadliest ever recorded and has left much of the country in disrepair.

• Sadly many are left starving and homeless.

Comma Rule #3

• Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (extra information).

Comma Rule #3 (contd.)• Clues to help you decide whether the

sentence element is essential.1. If you leave it out, does the sentence make sense?2. Does it interrupt the flow of words in the original

sentence?3. If you move it to a different part of the sentence,

does it still make sense?– If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, it

is a non-essential element and should be set off with commas.

Comma Rule #3

• Examples:– That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is

the only day I am available to meet.– This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The

food, on the other hand, is rather bland.– In this case, however, you seem to have outdone

yourself.

Comma Rule #3 Appositives

• Appositives: A noun or noun structure that stands in apposition (next to) the noun it renames or identifies. The appositive is surrounded by commas.

• Examples:– My dog, Bailey, is now one year old.– The answer to my question, if Max studied for the

test, seems obvious.– The Eagles, the best team in football, are going to

win the NFC Championship.

Practice with Comma Rule #3

• Write a sentence that has an interrupter in the middle.

• Create a sentence that has an appositive, using the proper noun, Justin Bieber.

Comma Rule #4• Use commas to separate three or more

words, phrases, or clauses within a series.• Examples:– The Constitution establishes the legislative,

judicial, and executive branches of government. – The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect

the environment, and end unemployment.– Adding the last comma in the series before the

FANBOY is optional!

Practice with Commas

• The baseball team contributed their win to hard work dedication and commitment.

• Cinderella Disney’s most celebrated princess was signing autograph books in Magic Kingdom.

• Holiday music was playing on the radio. I however decided that I would wait until after Thanksgiving to begin listening.

Comma Rule #5

• Use a comma to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.– Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal status in

describing a noun. You can decide if two adjectives are coordinate by asking the questions:

1) Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written in reverse order?

2) Do the adjectives make sense if they have “and” between them?If yes, separate by a comma!

Commas Rule #5 Examples

• He was a difficult stubborn child.• The cold December wind sent a chill down my

spine.• Let’s go catch the 8:00 show at that old drive-

in movie theater.• Gracie has a bright happy smile.• She wore a gray wool shawl.

Comma Rule #6

• Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast or indicate a pause or distinct shift. – Examples:• He was merely ignorant, not stupid.• The speaker seemed innocent, even gullible.

Comma Rule # 7

• Use a comma to set off geographical names, items in a date (except for the month and day), and titles in names.

Comma Rule #7 Examples

• Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England.

• Rachel B. Lake, MD, will be the keynote speaker.

• I was born on June 18, 1982, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Comma Rule #8

• Always use a comma when directly addressing someone/something, regardless of whether the direct address is at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence.– Examples:• Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?• Remember to turn off the lights, Becca, before you

leave the house.

Comma SpliceThe most serious comma offense!

• Comma splices join two independent clauses with a comma.

• Independent clauses can only be joined by 1) Coordinating conjunction

(FANBOYS)2) Semicolon

Comma SpliceExamples

• Joey went to the grocery store, he needed to buy eggs for supper.

• Emily was very hungry, she ate a large pizza.

Practice with the comma rulesBe prepared to explain the rule

1. The kind gentle doctor examined the screaming baby.

2. They are one might say true Beliebers.3. Dana the captain of the lacrosse team

scored four goals and played excellent careful defense.

4. It is snowing not sleeting!