Commas that set off Parenthetical Expressions

Remember to keep these notes in the Grammar Section of your notebook.

DOL

• It is a three days journey to make it to the basketball game last week. (2 errors)

• While I love children the childrens story was to annoying. (3 errors)

Parenthetical ExpressionsThis rule is simply a collection of four small rules.All of them are extra items added to the sentence.Put commas on both sides to set it off from the rest of the sentence.

Parenthetical ExpressionsNames of People Being Addressed

Don’t walk your dog here, Larry.Why would you do that, Larry, after your accident?Larry, don’t forget the cheese.

Make sure that the name is just something to grab the listener’s attention. You must be talking to someone directly.

Rules for Commas• Use commas before and after

parenthetical expressions.Parenthetical expressions are words inserted into a sentence giving information or thoughts that are not absolutely essential.– I reminded my mom, in case she forgot, that I

wanted an Xbox 360 for my birthday.– They usually cost, if you get a good deal, about

$150.– Since she is the best mom in the world, at least

that’s what I tell her to get what I want, I know she’ll buy me one.

Flava’ Flav’ sez:• Notice that we

put commas around words added “Fo’ Flava’”

Flava’ Flav’, singer for Public Enemy

Parenthetical Expressions• Words like: therefore, however,

nevertheless, furthermore.• Hint: any time you see these four

words, put commas around them.

– Nevertheless, the movie made money.– The actors, therefore, became famous.– The cats, however, escaped through the

open door.

Parenthetical Expressions

Contrasting Expressions: “This, not that”

Mighty Mouse, not Mickey Mouse, is a super hero.I want this shirt, not that one.Brooklyn, not LA, is the original home of the Dodgers.

Parenthetical ExpressionsCommon Expressions: “I think”, “I believe”, “of course”Only put commas around these words if it is a little extra information that is added to the sentence.If “I think, I believe, of course” come at the beginning of the sentence, do not put a comma.The Lakers, I think, will win.

I think the Spurs will lose. (no comma)

PracticeThe mayor I believe will make it an official holiday.Mr. Nare may I ask you a question?Therefore you should never mix vinegar and baking soda.Make our reservations for six not seven.

AnswersThe mayor, I believe, will make it an official holiday.Mr. Nare, may I ask you a question?Therefore, you should never mix vinegar and baking soda.Make our reservations for six, not seven.

One more practice…• Mr. Dorrell, the other senior

(1) English teacher, likes

working at Marshall High

School. He hopes I believe (2)that each senior will

graduate on time. He

however, knows that some (3) will not graduate on time.

1. A. NO CHANGE B. the other senior English

teacher C. the, other, senior English

teacher D. the other, senior English,

teacher

2. A. NO CHANGE B. hopes, I believe C. hopes, I believe, D. hopes I believe,

3. A. NO CHANGE B. He, however, knows C. He, however knows D. He however knows,

Where does the comma go, and what rule is being applied?

I would go swimming but I just ate.She would not go in the cold deep water.The dog nevertheless will jump in the water.Without a swimsuit I can’t go swimming.Whenever I swim I always get sunburned.He would always rather be in the mountains not the sea shore.

AnswersI would go swimming, but I just ate. (compound)She would not go in the cold, deep water. (adj of equal rank)The dog, nevertheless, will jump in the water. (parenthetical)Without a swimsuit I can’t go swimming. (Intro material – short prep phrase)Whenever I swim, I always get sunburned. (Intro material, intro clause)He would always rather be in the mountains, not the sea shore. (parenthetical)

Where does the comma go, and what rule is being applied?

Help I need somebody.The White Album Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s are my favorite Beatles albums.I saw Paul McCartney play and he put on a great show.My friend wanted to come but lost her ticket.While I was standing in the crowd at the concert I called her.

AnswerHelp, I need somebody. (Intro word)The White Album, Abbey Road, and Sgt. Pepper’s are my favorite Beatles albums. (items in a series)I saw Paul McCartney play, and he put on a great show. (compound)My friend wanted to come but lost her ticket. (almost a compound but missing 2nd subject)While I was standing in the crowd at the concert, I called her. (intro clause)