  Definition: punctuation used to separate groups of words so that the meaning of a sentence is clear Comma (,)

 1.Separates items in a series 2. Create Compound Sentences : Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence. 3.Separate nonessential, interrupting information 4.Separate a direct address to another person Functions:

  When there are three or more clauses, phrases, or words in a series, use commas in between them  Use comma: On the boat we took extra clothes, fishing poles, and some snacks.  Do not use comma: On the boat we took extra clothes and fishing poles. 1. Separate Items in a Series

  Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses in a compound sentence.  An independent clause has a subject and a verb.  Flocabulary video Flocabulary video 2. Create Compound Sentences

  For  And  Nor  But  Or  Yet  So  If you have two independent clauses but do not have one of these words in between them, you CANNOT use a comma. EVER. You must put the comma in front of a FANBOYS conjunction

  I enjoy plays and movies. Comma needed: I enjoyed A Christmas Carol, but Romeo and Juliet is still my favorite play. No comma needed b/c there are not 2 independent clauses. 2 Indep. Clauses & a Conjunction so we need a comma! Comma not needed:

  If a phrase is NOT needed in a sentence, put commas around it.  Use common sense here:  The small turtle, crossing the street slowly, was in danger. (still makes sense without information, nonessential )  The small turtle crossed the street slowly. (does not make sense, essential )  Interrupting information can occur at the beginning, middle, and end of the paragraph.  Crossing the street slowly, the small turtle was in danger.  The small turtle was in danger, crossing the street slowly. 3. Separate nonessential, interrupting information

  Descriptors of the subject  Ms. Gray, a teacher at Trail, enjoyed teaching.  The name of a thing that is already stated in the sentence  The current president, Obama, is about to leave office.  Introductory words  Currently, the political climate sucks. Examples of nonessential information

  1. Leonardo Dicaprio the actor has appeared in many films.  2. The composer Mozart wrote 5 short piano pieces when he was 6.  3. The card game canasta is descended from mah- jongg an ancient Chinese game. Let’s Practice

  When the writer speaks directly to someone in the sentence, he or she must put commas around that name/pronoun/noun. 4. Separate a direct address to another person

  Pg. 477, Exercise 8  Pg. 480, Exercise 9 (#1-5)  Pg. 484, Exercise 12 (#(1,3,5,9) Homework: Choose ONE rule and create ONE funny comma meme that follows that rule. You can upload both images to the assignment on moodle. Let’s Practice!

 Pg. 477, Exercise 8 1.States, and 2.City, and 3.North, and 4.Mexico, so 5.Correct 6.Year, but 7.Correct 8.Life, but 9.Desertlike, but 10.Correct Answers to Exercises

  Pg. 480, Exercise 9 (1-5) 1.Reptiles found in Mexico include turtles, iguanas, rattlesnakes, and lizards. 2.Correct 3.Corn, fruits, wheat, beans, coffee, tomatoes, and rice are grown in Mexico. 4.Natural resources in Mexico include petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, and zinc. 5.Plant and animal life vary with climatic zone, altitude, and precipitation. Answers to Exercises

  P. 484, exercise 12 (1,3,5,9) 1.The first Spanish viceroy or Mexico, Antonio de Mendoza, was appointed in Moreover, the Spaniards had sixty-one viceroys in Mexico. 5. A series of expeditions, adding land to Spain’s territory, increased the power of Spain in the Americas. 9. Correct Answers to Exercises