Monday Grammar: Commas

The Rules

Students will be able to...- recognize dependent and independent

clauses.- demonstrate correct comma usage.

- identify comma mistakes and correctthem.

Why: Many students struggle with commas on all major essays. Many of you wrote this down when I asked what grammar issues you feel would be good to cover.

Objective

1. Take notes on the comma rules

2. Practice applying these rules to real sentences.

3. If there's time: Go over How-To Assignment sheet and rubric.

4. Two outlines due- choose one by tomorrow!

To Do Today

What is a clause?

There are two kinds of clauses:

1. Independent

2. Dependent

What you need to know first:

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.

Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.

What is the subject? What is the verb?

Independent Clause

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence.

Example: When Jim was in the Sweet Shop for his

chemistry quiz

Is this a complete thought? What do we need?

Dependent Clause

Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word.

A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.

Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

Dependent Marker Words

Use your own piece of paper to decide whether each clause on the next slide is independent or dependent.

Practice:

1. IT WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK OIL2. WHILE THE CAR IS BEING FIXED3. IF YOU HAVE STUDIED A LITTLE EACH DAY4. YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO REST5. SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY6. WHETHER HE ATTENDS THE PARTY OR

NOT7. I WILL STOP PLAYING THE DRUMS8. SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN YOUR EXAM IN

BIOLOGY

Put I or D for each number:

Compare your answers with a neighbor.

Talk through the ones that you disagree on, who is right? Why?

Share:

1. I2. D3. D4. I5. D6. D7. I8. D

Answers:

Now that we know how to recognize independent and dependent clauses, as well as the dependent marker words, we are able to learn the comma rules.

NOTE: There are MANY rules for commas. The only

way to really learn them is to practice them over a long period of time. You will always be practicing comma usage!

Now what?

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

These are called FANBOYS.-You must use a comma

when combining sentences using FANBOYS.

Comma Rule #1

The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.

The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.

Examples of Rule #1:

2. Use commas after introductory a) clausesb) phrasesc) words that come before the main clause.

Comma Rule #2

Use commas after introductory clauses.

Examples: • While I was eating, the cat scratched at

the door.• Because her alarm clock was broken, she

was late for class.• If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.Common starter words for introductory clauses that

should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.

Comma Rule #2 A

Use commas after introductory phrases.

Examples:• Having finished the test, he left the room.

• To get a seat, you'd better come early.

Comma Rule #2 B

Use commas after introductory words that come before the main clause.

Examples: • Well, perhaps he meant no harm.• Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow

morning.

Common introductory words that should be followed by a comma include yes, however, well.

Comma Rule #2 C

On the following slides, I will show you a sentence.

With a partner, write out the sentence as it SHOULD be according to the rules. You should both have your own paper.

Then, write down the rule that corresponds to that sentence.Rule #1, Rule #2A, Rule #2B, Rule #2C

Practice:

1. Because of their opposition to institutions that force creatures to live in captivity some people refuse to go to the zoo.

Practice Questions

2. After he survived this ordeal the trapper felt relieved.

Practice Questions

3. Nice is a word with many meanings and some of them are contradictory.

Practice Questions

4. Well I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.

Practice Questions

5. Having been to the museum before I knew exactly what I wanted to see.

Practice Questions

1. Because of their opposition to institutions that force creatures to live in captivity, some people refuse to go to the zoo.

Rule #2A Use commas after introductory clauses.

Answers

2. After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved.

Rule #2A Use commas after introductory clauses.

Answers

3. Nice is a word with many meanings, and some of them are contradictory.

Rule #1 Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Answers

4. Well, I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.

Rule #2C Use commas after introductory words that come before the main clause.

Answers

5. Having been to the museum before, I knew exactly what I wanted to see.

Rule #2B Use commas after introductory phrases.

Answers

Which comma rule is the most difficult. Put your tally on the board.

NOTE OUT THE DOOR

Rules #3-#5

Commas Continued

On a clean, separate sheet, using each of these comma rules, come up with your own correct sentences using each rule.

Rule #1: Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions

Rule #2A: Use commas after introductory clauses.Rule #2B: Use commas after introductory phrases.Rule #2C: Use commas after introductory words that

come before the main clause.

Review Yesterday's Rules

Share one with the class.

I will collect the 4 that you wrote on your own LATER to make sure we are all getting this!

Save this sheet for later.

Take notes in your grammar section.

SHARE!

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. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end of the pause.

Comma Rule #3

Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential:

• If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense?

• Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence?

• If you move the element to a different position in the sentence, does the sentence still make sense?

If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, then the element in question is nonessential and should be set off with commas.

Clues for Rule #3

Clause: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day when I am available to meet.

Phrase: This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the other hand, is rather bland.

Word: I appreciate your hard work. In this case, however, you seem to have over-exerted yourself.

Examples

4. Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses).

That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

Comma Rule #4

That clauses after nouns:

The book that I borrowed from you is excellent.The apples that fell out of the basket are bruised.

That clauses following a verb expressing mental action:

She believes that she will be able to earn an A.He is dreaming that he can fly.

Examples

Examples of other essential elements (no commas):

Students who cheat only harm themselves.The baby wearing a yellow jumpsuit is my niece.

Examples of nonessential elements (set off by commas):

Fred, who often cheats, is just harming himself.My niece, wearing a yellow jumpsuit, is playing in the

living room.

Difference between essential and nonessential

5. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

Examples:

The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.

Comma Rule #5

On the following slides, I will show you a sentence.

Write out the sentence as it SHOULD be according to the rules. (It could be correct)

Then, write down the rule that corresponds to that sentence.

Rule #3, Rule #4, Rule #5

Practice

1. Oil which is lighter than water rises to the surface.

Practice Questions

2. The closet contained worn clothes old shoes and dirty hats.

Practice Questions

3. Mark Twain's early novels I believe stand the test of time.

Practice Questions

4. Vests which were once popular have been out of vogue for several years.

Practice Questions

5. I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.

Practice Questions

Do you agree or disagree?

Who is right? Why?

Compare with a Neighbor

1. Oil which is lighter than water rises to the surface.

Practice Questions

1. Oil, which is lighter than water, rises to the surface.

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.

Answers

2. The closet contained worn clothes old shoes and dirty hats.

Practice Questions

2. The closet contained worn clothes, old shoes, and dirty hats.

Rule #5 Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

Answers

3. Mark Twain's early novels I believe stand the test of time.

Practice Questions

3. Mark Twain's early novels, I believe, stand the test of time.

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.

Answers

4. Vests which were once popular have been out of vogue for several years.

Practice Questions

4. Vests, which were once popular, have been out of vogue for several years.

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.

Answers

5. I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.

Practice Questions

5. I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.

NO CHANGE

Rule #4 Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that.

Answers

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.

Rule #4 Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that.

Rule #5 Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

Write your OWN

Share one with the class.

I will collect this.

We will cover more comma rules tomorrow!

SHARE!

Rules 6-9

Commas

Comma Rule #6

6. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.

Note: Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.

• Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal) status in describing the noun

• Neither adjective is subordinate to the other

You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions:

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

• Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written with and between them?

If you answer yes to these questions, then the adjectives are coordinate and should be separated by a comma.

What is a Coordinative Adjective?

Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.

He was a difficult, stubborn child.

Examples of sentences with NON-COORDINATIVE adjectives:

• They lived in a white frame house.

• She often wore a gray wool shawl. (They don't fit with the clues)

Examples of Rule #6

7. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.

Comma Rule #7

He was merely ignorant, not stupid.

The chimpanzee seemed reflective, almost human.

You're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you?

The speaker seemed innocent, even gullible.

Examples

8. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence.

Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)

Comma Rule #8

Incorrect:Lisa waved at Nancy, laughing joyously.

(Who is laughing, Lisa or Nancy?)

Correct:Laughing joyously, Lisa waved at Nancy.

Lisa waved at Nancy, who was laughing joyously.

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

NOTE:When you use just the month and the year,

no comma is necessary after the month or year: "The average temperatures for July 1998 are the highest on record for that month."

Comma Rule #9

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

July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.

Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC?

Rachel B. Lake, MD, will be the principal speaker.

Examples

On the following slides, I will show you a sentence.

Write out the sentence as it SHOULD be according to the rules. (It could be correct)

Then, write down the rule that corresponds to that sentence.

Rule #6, Rule #7, Rule #8, Rule #9

Practice

1. Madame de Stael was an attractive gracious lady.

Practice Questions

2. Write the editor of the Atlantic 8 Arlington Street Boston Massachusetts 02116.

Practice Questions

3. The field was safe enough wasn't it?

Practice Questions

4. December 7 1941 will never be forgotten.

Practice Questions

5. The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.

Practice Questions

1. Madame de Stael was an attractive, gracious lady.

Rule #6: Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.

Answers

2. Write the editor of the Atlantic, 8 Arlington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

Rule 9: Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

Answers

3. The field was safe enough, wasn't it?

Rule 7: Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.

Answers

4. December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten.

Rule 9: Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

Answers

5. The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.

NO CHANGE

Rule #6: Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.

Answers

For each rule, write your own sentence showing the correct use of commas.

WRITE YOUR OWN