1. Language Arts 8 Comma Unit
Commas – A Digital Unit
Language Arts 8
Comma Unit

2. Introduction
You will be using this PowerPoint to enter the digital world of commas. Read each slide carefully. Complete the examples you are given, and record any information that you might find helpful on your comma note sheet. Click on the arrows to advance to the next slide!
*Be sure to take notes!*

3. What to Expect?
During this digital unit, you can expect to read a good bit of information about various types of commas. You can also expect to encounter many practice activities that will help reinforce your learning. Be prepared to take a final test on all of the information presented here!

4. Let’s Begin!!!
Don’t forget to take notes!

5. Part I: Back to Basics!
The following slides will present some basic comma information. Much of the following should be a review. But it is still important to read through and take notes! We will cover the areas of:
Back to Basics
The Comma
Phrases and Clauses
Independent Clauses
Compound Sentences ,

6. What is a Comma?
A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence.
Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader. ,

7. The Terminology!
A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other.
She bought some peaches when she went to the corner store.
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other.
Examples will follow!

8. Independent Clauses 1
A complete sentence has two components, a Subject and a Verb.
The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause.
An independent clause is a single, complete sentence with one single thought.
S V
The Couple Dances.
S V
The boy laughed.
S V
The dog barked.
S V
The girl sang.

9. Compound Sentences 2 FAN BOYS Conjunctions
A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. (Two complete sentences joined by a comma AND coordinating conjunction).
A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence.
Conjunctions
for
and
nor
but or
yet so
FAN BOYS

10. Commas in Compound Sentences
The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction.
Bill bought the ingredients, so Leah baked the cake.
Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog.
Mr. Raitano said to complete the comma unit, but the students played on the internet.

11. Compound Sentences: Exercise 1
Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide.
1. Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him.
2. The test was important and he failed miserably.
3. The girl did not go home nor did she go to the game.

12. Part II: Moving on Up!
The following slides will present some more advanced comma information. Much of the following should still be a review. Be sure to take notes on anything that you think will be helpful:
Moving on Up!
Dependent Clauses
Introductory Clauses

13. Dependent Clause 3
Some dependent clause markers:
because though
since although
when unless
while after
until before
if once
as whether
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but the clause is NOT a complete sentence! It cannot stand alone.
Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers.

14. AAAWWUBBIS – MEMORIZE THESE WORDS
AAAWWUBBIS – MEMORIZE THESE WORDS? They begin SUBORDINATE/DEPENDENT CLAUSES
A – AS A – ALTHOUGH A – AFTER W – WHILE W – WHEN U – UNTIL (UNLESS) B – BECAUSE B – BEFORE I – IF S - SINCE

15. Dependent Phrases and Clauses
Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause.
Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
DEPENDENT CLAUSES ARE NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES! THEY CANNOT STAND ALONE!

16. Dependent Clauses serving as Introductory Clauses.
The following rules apply when using a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. This is often referred to as an introductory clause.
When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause.
EXAMPLE: When Mary called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue.
Independent Clause

17. Dependent Clauses serving as Introductory Clauses.
During the game, the boy ate the pizza.
As the rain fell, the sky turned darker and darker.
Since the girls won, the boys had to wear dresses to school.
Though we lost, the coach still took us out for ice cream.
Before we left home, we all went to the bathroom.
Unless you take the quiz, you are going to fail for the nine weeks.
NOTE:
When dependent clauses come at the beginning of the sentence, you MUST use a comma before moving to the independent clause.
Dependent/Introductory Clause
Independent Clause
Notice the independent clause is a COMPLETE SENTENCE. It CAN stand alone!

18. Dependent/Introductory Clause Practice!
Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. Be sure to review dependent clauses if you are struggling.
Once we had arrived we were greeted like royalty.
During the movie we ate all of the popcorn.
Though he was the new kid he already had a great deal of friends.
Before he could speak his mother was already scolding him.
Until he told the truth the judge was going to keep him locked up.

19. Dependent Clauses at the END of a sentence!
When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place a comma between the two.
Complete Sentence
Not a Complete Sentence
I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me.
Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
NO COMMA
Complete Sentence
Not a Complete Sentence
I became very sick when the roller coaster did circles.
Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
NO COMMA

20. Dependent Clauses at the END of a sentence!
He was winning the race until he fell down.
CORRECT INCORRECT
I stole the bike, because my friend told me to.
CORRECT INCORRECT
I ran all the way home since I was being chased.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The girl couldn’t believe he agreed, after everything that had happened.
CORRECT INCORRECT

21. Part IV: To Be or Not to Be (a comma error)
The next set of comma rules are fairly common and you should be familiar with them. These examples are mistakes that are often made the most. Some will be old, and some will be new, but we need to know if the comma should be there, or if it should not be there.
To Be or Not to Be!
Commas in a Series
Commas with Adjectives
Dates and Addresses
Letter or

22. Commas in a Series 8
Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list.
The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion.
The comma before the conjunction is required.

23. Look at the following sentences. Notice where the commas are!
Commas in a Series
Commas should be placed in a series of words, phrases, or clauses.
Look at the following sentences. Notice where the commas are!
The commas separate the items in the series!
1. Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed.
2. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

24. Sentence Structure: Commas in a Series
Consider the difference in the following:
Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim.
Notice how important correct comma usage is in the statements to the right. It can be very confusing to the reader if commas are used improperly, or not used at all.
How many girls did Alex date? 4? 3? 2?
Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim.
Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim.

25. Commas with adjectives9
Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun.
big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, mean man
The big and blue house (um no) The blue big house (um no)
The three and hungry kittens (no) The hungry three kittens (eh)
The cranky and mean man (YES) The mean, cranky man (YES)
THE TEST:
~Can you put “and” between the adjectives?
~Can they be described in reverse order?
IF YES – USE A COMMA!

26. To Be, Or Not to Be! Practice…
I really wanted to buy the pink shoes, the yellow hat, the orange gloves and the green socks.
CORRECT INCORRECT
He had to speak to the strange, smelly old man.
CORRECT INCORRECT
The party was being held at 307 Writing Lab Way, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on Monday, November 11.
CORRECT INCORRECT
Dear Mom, Thanks for everything! With Love, Leah.
CORRECT INCORRECT

27. To Correct a Comma Splice
Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses.
Start a new sentence.
Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic).
We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon.
We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon.
The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year.
ALMOST FINISHED!!

28. Compound Sentences 1 X
Pick Again!

29. Compound Sentences 1
GO YOU!

30. Dependent/Introductory 1X
Pick Again!

31. Dependent/Introductory 1
GO YOU!

32. Dependent Clause 1 X
Pick Again!

33. Dependent Clause 1
GO YOU!

34. Essential Phrase 1 X
Pick Again!

35. Essential Phrase 1
GO YOU!

36. Non-Essential Phrase 1 X
Pick Again!

37. Non-Essential Phrase 1
GO YOU!

38. Mixed Bag 1 X
Pick Again!

39. Mixed Bag 1
GO YOU!

40. Contrasting Elements 1 X
Pick Again!

41. Contrasting Elements 1
GO YOU!

42. To Be, or Not to Be 1 X
Pick Again!

43. To Be, or Not to Be 1
GO YOU!

44. Comma Splice 1 X
Pick Again!

45. Comma Splice 1
GO YOU!

46. You can use this time to review or end the show.
So Ends Day 1 of Commas!
Tiring huh??
You can use this time to review or end the show.
I recommend reviewing your information. If you decide you are finished, you will be given comma worksheets to complete!