GRAMMAR COMMAS AND PUNCTUATION IN DIALOGUE

THE COMMA USED AND ABUSED The comma is one of the most misused punctuation marks. A comma is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause. It allows the reader to understand a sentence more clearly.

THE 8 RULES

RULE 1 USE A COMMA BEFORE A CONJUNCTION WHEN COMBINING TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES I like playing soccer, and I enjoy sleeping. She went home early, so she cleaned her bedroom. EXAMPLES: I do not like cats, nor do I like alligators. He was in trouble, for he skipped class too many times.

RULE 2 USE A COMMA AFTER A LONG DEPENDENT CLAUSES. After studying the comma rules, the grammar test grades improved. In order to do well on any test, one must study. *NOTE- A COMMA SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN THE CLAUSE IS AT THE END OF THE SENTENCE* Marissa watched her grade improve when she learned her basic grammar rules. EXAMPLES:

RULE 3 USE COMMAS TO SEPARATE ITEMS IN A SERIES Meghan ordered herself three hotdogs, the largest coke, and a large fry. When her father went food shopping he bought eggs, bread, and butter. EXAMPLES:

RULE 4 USE A COMMA BEFORE AND AFTER A PART OF THE SENTENCE THAT HAS NO IMPORTANCE. Emily, the only student with a 4.0 GPA, loves to shoot archery. Crooked Billet, one of the smallest schools in the district, is located next to train tracks. EXAMPLES:

RULE 5 USE COMMAS BETWEEN COORDINATE ADJECTIVES THAT MODIFY THE SAME NOUN. EXAMPLES: By the end of the day, the grass was a slippery, wet mess. At the end of the night, all the kids were an annoying, tired bunch.

RULE 6 USE COMMAS TO SEPARATE THE ELEMENTS OF DATES/ PLACES. EXAMPLES: I have lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since I was born. It was October 10th, 2010 when I had surgery.

RULE 7 USE A COMMA BEFORE A DIRECT QUOTATION EXAMPLES: When asked how she played, Sarah replied, "It was not the best." When asked how much he studied, John replied, "None at all," but his grade did not reflected it.

RULE 8 USE COMMAS BEFORE AND AFTER WORDS/PHRASES SUCH AS "HOWEVER" THAT SERVES AS AN INTERRUPTER EXAMPLES: She did not like eggs, however, she did enjoy French toast. The boy was, never the less, prepared for his forensics test.

COMMON COMMA MISTAKES

COMMON MISSUSES OF THE COMMA The most important contribution of an athlete is, their physical strength. The most important contribution from an athlete is the physical strength. The comma is not used to separate the subject from the verb.

COMMON MISSUSES OF THE COMMA Sara went to the store, an bought a box of cookies. Sara went to the store and bought a box of cookies. Do not use a comma to separate a verb/ verb phrase in a compound predicate

COMMON MISSUSES OF THE COMMA He fell asleep, after he worked all day. She went out, after spending her weekend inside. A comma is not used when a dependent clause follows an independent clause.

THE SEMI- COLON

RULE 1 USE A SEMI-COLON IN PLACE OF THE COMMA AND CONJUNCTION TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. EXAMPLES: I like sleeping; I also enjoy eating. I enjoying playing soccer; I am also fond of listening to music.

RULE 2 USE A SEMI-COLON BEFORE THE CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB THAT JOINS TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. I like writing; however, I enjoy doing math. I enjoy playing soccer; therefore I like spending time outside. *BE SURE TO PUT A COMMA AFTER THE CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB* EXAMPLES:

RULE 3 USE SEMI-COLONS TO SEPARATE ELEMENTS IN A SERIES. EXAMPLES: Sarah packed turkey, ham, and fish for lunch; Capri-sun, orange juice, and Kool aid to drink; and a few bags of chips.

DIALOGUE

RULE 1 A DIRECT QUOTATION BEGINS WITH A CAPITAL LETTER. EXAMPLES: Janny shouted, "Pass the ball!" "Is that true?" Questioned Matt.

RULE 2 WHEN A QUOTATION IS INTERRUPTED INTO TWO PARTS, THE SECOND PART BEGINS WITH A LOWER CASE LETTER. EXAMPLES: What are some things," Stacy questioned, "that you enjoy about school?" "One thing I like," Meghan replied, "is that it is almost over!"

RULE 3 WHEN WRITING DIALOGUE, ALL PUNCTUATION MARKS AT THE END GO INSIDE THE QUOTATION MARKS. EXAMPLES: John questioned, "Did we go to the aquarium last weekend?" Samantha replied, "No, so we must go today!"

RULE 4 DO NOT PUT A PERIOD AT THE END OF A QUOTATION THAT IS FOLLOWED BY THINGS LIKE SHE SAID. EXAMPLES: My English class is making me lose my mind!" Susan yelled. "That’s my favorite class," replied Rebecca shyly.

RULE 5 MAKE A NEW PARAGRAPH WHEN A DIFFERENT PERSON BEGINS TO SPEAK. EXAMPLES: Mary said, "It is going to rain!" Susan ran the other direction screaming, "No, not rain!"

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN WRITING DIALOGUE