, , , , , , , , “Where does that comma go???” Let’s learn them all! There are many different ways to use a comma! , , , , Let’s learn them all! , , ,

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

Rule #1: USE COMMAS FOR ITEMS IN A SERIES 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. Words in a Series: In the early morning, the lake looked cold, gray, and calm. On the boat, we took extra clothes, fishing poles, and some snacks.

A group of words that does not have a S & V together 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?! Where do the commas go? A group of words that does not have a S & V together

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. , , Where do the commas go? What is a clause again? Group of words with a S & V. It can stand alone.

, , , 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.

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

Activity!!! STEPS: Get in groups of 4 (with people beside you). Take out a piece of paper: 1 per group. 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. 1 sentence separating adjectives, & 1 rule with a repeating conjunction. The 1st group done correctly wins a prize!!!!

Place commas where needed! Let’s Practice! Items in a Series! , Place commas where needed! The delicate colorful wings of the hummingbird vibrate as many as two hundred times each second. , 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. ,

, FANBOYS , So For Yet And Or Nor But Rule # 2: Compound Sentences: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence. , FANBOYS I enjoyed A Christmas Carol but Romeo and Juliet is still my favorite play. So I enjoy plays and movies. For Yet No comma needed b/c there are not 2 independent clauses. And Or , I enjoy going to plays and my sister likes them too. Nor But 2 Indep. Clauses & a Conjunction so we need a comma!

Activity!!! STEPS: Get a Partner On a separate sheet of paper: Write 5 sentences using 1 coord. conj. in each sentence & do NOT use commas. Unlined side: Write the same 5 sentences using commas. Give to Mrs. Duncan when done!

, , Rule #3: Interrupters EXAMPLE: 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?

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

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

Essential Definition: NO COMMAS NEEDED! Adds info that makes the N or Prn it identifies more specific. DO NOT SET OFF AN ESSENTIAL PHRASE!!! 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!

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

Warm Up The nature trail slithers through the forest like a snake curving, and bending along the banks of the river. NO CHANGE snake, curving and bending C. snake; curving and bending, D. snake, curving, and bending, We must combine both actions that the trail is doing with and. It is not functioning as a conjunction!!!

2. I ride this trail nearly every day—not on a bike, but on “Luigi.” NO CHANGE day; not on a bike day not on a bike D. day, not on a bike; Remember, I told you the dash functions as a pause and a sudden change of thought to interrupt your sentence. The conjunction but is appropriate because it is contrasting riding on a trail, but I do it on a power scooter; therefore, Correct as is.

3. Today, Luigi’s battery is fully charged, I know I can go all the way to the end of the trail and back. A. NO CHANGE B. charged, because of that, C. charged, this means that D. charged, so Remember, as a result of Luigi’s battery being fully charger, I can go to the end. So is the appropriate conjunction.

4. Luigi’s motor moves slowly as we venture along the trail. NO CHANGE travels safely proceeds carefully purrs softly We are referencing the motor, not the car! The motor is purring like a kitten. This is the only viable option; pay attention to your subject.

B. 1884 at Coney, Island, Brooklyn C. 1884 at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 5. America’s first roller coaster ride, which opened in 1884, at Coney, Island, Brooklyn could only travel at six miles per hour. NO CHANGE B. 1884 at Coney, Island, Brooklyn C. 1884 at Coney Island, Brooklyn, D. 1884, at Coney Island, Brooklyn Note: You do not have to separate years that are embedded in sentences; however, you must city and state, and then separate that from the rest of the sentence.

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

Using a Comma When Speaking to Someone Can Make a Big Difference! (LOL!!!) For Example… Ahhh! Let’s eat Grandpa! Let’s eat, Grandpa!

, , “Where should the comma go?” Rule # 4: Introductory Words, Phrases, & Clauses Use a comma after certain introductory elements. Focusing on Words 1st: 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! “Where should the comma go?” Examples: , Well I think we should ask for help. Yes I understand the problem. ,

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. 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.

In the morning, we’ll tour our favorite sites. 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!!!

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?

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

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

Fix any mistakes in the letter! . 1113 Collins St Fort Worth TX 76106 September 16 2010 , , , 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 ! , , . . , . , , Nice Job!

“Now You’re a Comma Pro!!!” “Congratulations!” “Now You’re a Comma Pro!!!”