1. A Punctuation Unit ! Commas Commas Dashes Dashes Ellipses Ellipses Brackets Brackets Parentheses Parentheses

2. “Let’s Start with Commas!”,,,,,,,, There are many different ways to use a comma! Let’s learn them all!

3. First of all… “What is a comma?” Definition Definition: Generally used to separate words or groups of words so that the meaning of the sentence is clear. Don’t get a comma confused with an apostrophe! Apostrophes are at the top; commas are at the bottom! Apostrophe,,,,,,,

4. In the early morning, the lake looked cold, gray, and calm. Words in a Series Words in a Series: On the boat, we took extra clothes, fishing poles, and some snacks. Words, Phrases, and Clauses in a series are usually separated by commas to show the reader where one item in the series ends and the next begins. Rule #1: USE COMMAS FOR ITEMS IN A SERIES

5. Phrases in a Series Checking his shoelaces fastening his helmet strap and positioning his kneepads Brandon prepared for the skateboarding competition. What is a phrase again?! A group of words that does not have a S & V together,,, Where do the commas go?

6. Clauses in a Series The lights dimmed the curtain rose and the play began. We didn’t know where we were going how we would get there or when we would arrive. What is a clause again? Group of words with a S & V. It can stand alone.,,,, Where do the commas go?

7. Use Commas to Separate 2 or More Adjectives Before a Noun Pomeranians are small energetic dogs., These intelligent loyal playful pets always enjoy a challenge. always enjoy a challenge.,,

8. NOTE! Repeated Conjunction *If all of the items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do NOT use commas to separate them! I voted for Corey and Mona and Ethan in the student council election. Example andandandandororornornornor

9. STEPS: 1.Get in groups of 4 (with people beside you). 2.Take out a piece of paper: 1 per group. 3.Write down 1 sentence using words in a series, 1 sentence using phrases in a series, & 1 sentence using clauses in a series with commas used correctly. 4.The 1 st group done correctly wins a prize!!!!

10. Let’s Practice! 1.The delicate colorful wings of the hummingbird vibrate as many as two hundred times each second. Place commas where needed! 2. The cool soft wind blew across the forest. 3. Last week I read the novel The Lucky Stone the short story Flowers for Algernon and the poem Legacy II. 4. I want to visit Thailand Nepal China and Japan. 5. I sanded the the boards Jennifer primed them and Paul painted them.,,,,,,,,, Items in a Series!

11. Rule # 2: Compound Sentences: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence. FANBOYS For And NorBut Or Yet So I enjoyed A Christmas Carol but Romeo and Juliet is still my favorite play., I enjoy plays and movies. No comma needed b/c there are not 2 independent clauses. I enjoy going to plays and my sister likes them too. 2 Indep. Clauses & a Conjunction so we need a comma!,

12. STEPS: 1.Get a Partner 2.Take out your lined index card 3.Lined side: Write 5 sentences using 1 coord. conj. in each sentence & do NOT use commas. 4.Unlined side: Write the same 5 sentences using commas. 5.Give to Mrs. Duncan when done!

13. Rule #3: Interrupters Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence 2 commas are used with interrupters: 1 goes before the expression, and 1 goes after. EXAMPLE: Elise born in Texas moved to Colorado before coming to Ohio.,, What’s the interrupter? So where do the commas go?

14. Interrupters Continued… Born in Texas Elise moved to Colorado before coming to Ohio. Some interrupting expressions come at the beginning or end of a sentence. In this case, only 1 comma is needed. The applications were mailed three days ago by the way.,, Where does the comma go?

15. Nonessential & Essential…there’s a difference A.K.A. Needed & Not Needed Nonessential Definition: Example: This small turtle, crossing the street slowly, was in danger. A phrase or clause that is not needed in a sentence. Doesn’t take away from the meaning.

16. Essential Definition: Adds info that makes the N or Prn it identifies more specific. DO NOT SET OFF AN ESSENTIAL PHRASE!!! NO COMMAS NEEDED! Example: All farmers growing the new hybrid corn should have a good harvest. We need this info or the sentence changes meaning totally! SO… no commas needed!

17. Use Commas to Set off Words of Direct Address Examples: Mrs. Clarkson, this package is addressed to you. Do you know, Sarah, when the next bus is coming? I’d like to go now, Jeff.

18. A Little Humor… What comma rule is needed here? Rule 1: Items in a series!

19. The Misuse of a Comma Can Be Very Dangerous! What comma rule is needed here? Rule 3: Interrupters!

20. Another Example of Misuse with Items in a Series

21. Rule # 4: Introductory Words, Phrases, & Clauses Use a comma after certain introductory elements. Focusing on Words 1 st : Use a comma to set off a mild exclamation such as: well, oh, or why at the beginning of a sentence. Other words such as yes and no are also set off with commas! Examples: 1.Well I think we should ask for help. 2.Yes I understand the problem. “Where should the comma go?”,,

22. Focusing on Introductory Phrases & Clauses Now… Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. If an introductory prep. phrase is long, USE A COMMA! Example: At night in the desert, the temperature falls rapidly.

23. If an introductory prep. phrase is short, a comma MAY or MAY NOT be used! EXAMPLES: In the morning, we’ll tour our favorite sites. In the morning we’ll tour our favorite sites. Either way works!!!

24. Commas with Verbal Phrases! Use a comma after a verbal phrase that introduces a sentence! Examples: Signaling the referee for a time out, the coach gathered her players for a pep talk. To keep your bones strong, be sure to eat foods rich in calcium. Gumball Question!: What is a verbal phrase?

25. HINT! As a general rule… When you start a sentence with a phrase or a clause, usually you need a comma after it! When you’re writing…

26. Practice Makes Perfect! Turn in Your Textbooks to Pages 371-372! Let’s Move & Put Some on the Bard! Oops…I Mean Board!

27. RULE # 5:Conventional Situations (Dates, Addresses, Letters) 1. Dates & Addresses Where should the commas go in the following examples? January 7 2010 Mike Jones 1456 Palm Lane Lakewood California 87653,,

28. Dear Aunt Sally What a great time I had at your house last week Your two dogs Buffy and Pepper certainly kept me entertained I’ve really missed taking them for walks and playing fetch When summer begins I could come visit again Anyway thank you very much for inviting me. Sincerely James James 1113 Collins St Fort Worth TX 76106 September 16 2010 Fix any mistakes in the letter!....,,,,,,,, ! Nice Job!

29. (Parentheses) USED FOR: Adding material that is less important in a sentence. EXAMPLES: Mrs. Matsuo served us the sushi (soo’ shee) that she had prepared. Sushi’s origin began in southeast Asia (during the 2 nd century AD). Remember! Stuff in parentheses is less important!

30. - Dashes - USED FOR: Showing an abrupt break in thought. EXAMPLE: The candy bar it was invented in 1847 is a delicious, sweet snack. Correct: The candy bar – it was invented in 1847 – is a delicious, sweet snack. Remember! Dashes add a quick thought!

31. [Brackets] USED FOR: Enclosing added info within quoted or parenthetical material EXAMPLE: The professor stated, “Komodo dragons [the largest of all monitor lizards] can be found in Indonesia”. REMEMBER! The info in a bracket has to be material within quoted or parenthetical material!

32. Ellipses… aka: dot, dot, dot USE #1: Marking Parts Left out of a Quote EXAMPLES: “After school, I went to her house, which was a few blocks away, and then came home.” “After school, I went to her house … and then came home.” REMEMBER! 1 use is to leave stuff out of a quote!

33. Ellipses… continued! EXAMPLE: She opened the door … and saw … a gorilla! REMEMBER! Shows a pause! USE #2: To show a pause in thought…

34. QUICK REVIEW! When do you use parentheses? ( ) When do you use parentheses? ( ) Added, less important info When do you use dashes? - - - - When do you use dashes? - - - - A quick break in a thought When do you use brackets? [ ] When do you use brackets? [ ] Added info w/in a quote or parentheses When do you use ellipses? … When do you use ellipses? … Omitting info in a quote OR showing a pause What do you remember?

35. “Congratulations!” “Now You’re a PUNCTUATION Pro!!!”