Commas Da, da, dum, dum, duuum!! This set of slides will illustrate the most common uses of one of the most common punctuation marks: THE COMMA

Comma Rule #1 Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. Use one comma fewer than the # of items! My favorite uses of the Internet are sending e-mail, surfing the Web, and using Facebook (not really). You may have learned that this comma is not necessary. *Sometimes, however, the last two items in your series will glom into one if you don’t use the so-called serial comma.

Comma Rule #1 - Practice , , Blake Mark and Debbie seemed to have a good time at the wedding. , , , Please bring ice potato chips paper plates and cake to the picnic on Sunday. , , He hit the ball dropped the bat and ran to first base.

expensive and modern = expensive, modern Comma Rule #2 Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives that modify the same noun. Coaches grew weary of running practices in the drafty, dreary, dilapidated gymnasium. The designs for an expensive, modern gym should make them happy. If you could put a but or an and between the adjectives, you should put a comma between them. expensive and modern = expensive, modern But not “a little and old house.” “A little old house” would be correct.

Think: Can “and” OR “but” fit between the two adjectives? Comma Rule #2 Practice Think: Can “and” OR “but” fit between the two adjectives? , , That tall distinguished good looking man helped them find the merchandise they were looking for. Sally purchased a bright red hat from the store. NO! No commas needed. , I live in a very old run-down house.

Comma Rule #3 (FANBOYS) Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. FANBOYS! The public seems eager for some kind of gun control legislation, but congress is obviously too timid to enact any truly effective measures.

, , , Comma Rule #3 Practice I went to Germany but Amy went to Japan. I got up late this morning so I didn’t have time for breakfast. , Juan and Marcie decided to get married yet they are going to wait a year.