Hitchhikers Guide to Grammar Punctuation Part I: Commas

What to Learn Objectives: 1. Students will understand how to properly use commas in writing. 2. Students will be able to explain why commas are used in certain spots. GLCE Standard -W.GR in the context of writing, correctly use style conventions (e.g., Modern Language Association Handbook) and a variety of grammatical structures in compositions including infinitives, gerunds, participial phrases, and dashes or ellipses.

Meet the Comma, =Comma The Comma (,): Designed to prevent midsentence collisions between two separate entities. A comma (,) indicates to a reader that they should take a brief breath during their reading. This pause helps distinguish meaning within a sentence. A comma (,) does not inform readers to completely pause reading. This is the job of a period (.) SEE THE RULES

Official Rule Book Rule 1: Use a comma to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. Example: The My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew. Rule 2: Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them. Example: The girl is a popular, energetic student. Rule 3: Use a comma when an ly adjective is used with other adjectives. Example: Emily is a friendly, supportive community member. Rule 4: Use a commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed. Example: Please, Alex, take the trash out to the dumpster today. Rule 5: Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year. Example: Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 1999, on a exquisite summer day. Return to Question #: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, BACK TO THE EXPLANATION

Official Rule Book Rule 6: Use a comma to separate the city from the state. Example: The band mostly played at a venue in Milwaukee, WI during their early years. Rule 7: Use comma to surround degrees or titles used with names. Example: Jeff Stannard, Ph.D., took on all the responsibilities in the new book club. Rule 8: Use commas to set off expressions interrupting sentence flow. Example: This video, according to multiple magazine reports, is not meant to be watched by those under the age of fourteen. Rule 9: Use a comma when starting with a weak introductory clause. Example: If you have a question about this, please address this now. Rule 10: Use a comma after the phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. Example: In order to be successful in college, you must develop a consistent work ethic. Return to Question #: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,

Official Rule Book Rule 11: Use a comma when a nonessential descriptor is used to introduce a person that has been sufficiently introduced. Example: Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. Rule 12: Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by coordinating conjunction- and, or, but, for nor. Example: I have seen the first Spiderman movie, but not the second. Rule 13: Use a comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion. Example: I have selected to buy an iPad and printer, and Bill has chosen to purchase a laptop. Rule 14: Use a comma to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines. Example: What he actually said was, Remove the seat from the hallway. Rule 15: Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: This road was plowed yesterday, wasnt it? Return to Question #: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,

Official Rule Book Rule 16: Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: The dog belongs to the Hills, not the Thomas family. Rule 17: Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes. Example: Now, this may be the biggest problem I have ever faced. Rule 18: Use a comma when surrounding words, such as therefore, however when they are used as interrupters. Example: This shovel, however, does not clear out snow that well. Return to Question #: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, TAKE THE QUIZ

Correcting Comma Calamity #1 I took Angie the one with the freckle to the movie last night. A.Rule 1 C. Rule 11Rule 1Rule 11 Visit Rule Book B.Rule 14D. Rule 4Rule 14Rule 4

Correcting Comma Calamity #2 To apply for this job you must have a Social Security card. A.Rule 10C. Rule 3Rule 10Rule 3 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 14D. Rule 12Rule 14Rule 12

Correcting Comma Calamity #3 She has a good healthy attitude about work. A.Rule 8C. Rule 3Rule 8Rule 3 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 2D. Rule 7Rule 2Rule 7

Correcting Comma Calamity #4 Please Sasha, come home from work. A.Rule 13C. Rule 10Rule 13Rule 10 Visit Rule Book B.Rule 12D. Rule 4Rule 12Rule 4

Correcting Comma Calamity #5 I can go cant I? A.Rule 15C. Rule 6Rule 15Rule 6 Visit Rule Book B.Rule 7D. Rule 11Rule 7Rule 11

Correcting Comma Calamity #6 The dog which may already be clear to you is not feeling healthy at this time. A.Rule 16C. Rule 18Rule 16Rule 18 B. Rule 2D. Rule 8Rule 2Rule 8 Visit Rule Book

Correcting Comma Calamity #7 Mae said Why dont you come up and see me sometime? A.Rule 5C. Rule 8Rule 5Rule 8 Visit Rule Book B.Rule 14D. Rule 9Rule 14Rule 9

Correcting Comma Calamity #8 My hometown has been Traverse City MI for the past three years. A. Rule 6C. Rule 17Rule 6Rule 17 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 8D. Rule 13Rule 8Rule 13

Correcting Comma Calamity #9 It is drizzling not pouring. A.Rule 16C. Rule 1Rule 16Rule 1 Visit Rule Book A.Rule 18D. Rule 3Rule 18Rule 3

Correcting Comma Calamity #10 Jerry purchased the new bike didnt he? A.Rule 18C. Rule 19Rule 18Rule 19 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 4D. Rule 15Rule 4Rule 15

Correcting Comma Calamity #11 I met my favorite basketball player on December at Biggby Coffee. A.Rule 14C. Rule 1Rule 14Rule 1 Visit Rule Book B.Rule 6D. Rule 5Rule 6Rule 5

Correcting Comma Calamity #12 I would however like to return this recent purchase. A.Rule 10C. Rule 7Rule 10Rule 7 Visit Rule Book B.Rule 6D. Rule 18Rule 6Rule 18

Correcting Comma Calamity #13 Chris was a friendly old teacher. A.Rule 19C. Rule 4Rule 19Rule 4 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 3D. Rule 7Rule 3Rule 7

Correcting Comma Calamity #14 The most essential components of basketball are passing shooting and dribbling. A.Rule 16B. Rule 9Rule 16Rule 9 Visit Rule Book C. Rule 1D. Rule 5Rule 1Rule 5

Correcting Comma Calamity #15 Al Mooney M.D. knew Sam Sunny Jr. and Charles Starr III. A.Rule 6C. Rule 13Rule 6Rule 13 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 8D. Rule 7Rule 8Rule 7

Correcting Comma Calamity #16 I chose the colors red and green and blue was his first choice. A.Rule 8 C. Rule 13Rule 8Rule 13 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 6D. Rule 14Rule 6Rule 14

Correcting Comma Calamity #17 Well I do not agree that excess trash is destroying the environment. A. Rule 17C. Rule 13Rule 17Rule 13 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 11D. Rule 12Rule 11Rule 12

Correcting Comma Calamity #18 If you are not sure about this let me know now. A.Rule 9 C. Rule 7Rule 9Rule 7 Visit Rule Book B. Rule 3 D. Rule 5Rule 3Rule 5

Correcting Comma Calamity #19 I am almost finished staining the floors but he still is working on trimming the doors. A.Rule 14B. Rule 8Rule 14Rule 8 Visit Rule Book C. Rule 12D. Rule 3Rule 12Rule 3

Correcting Comma Calamity #20 I am as you may have noticed very anxious to get this lesson started. A.Rule 9B. Rule 8Rule 9Rule 8 Visit Rule Book C. Rule 10D. Rule 11Rule 10Rule 11

CORRECT I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night. Rule 11: Use a comma when a nonessential descriptor is used to introduce a person that has been sufficiently introduced. Example: Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. Return to Previous ?Return to Previous ? Move to Next ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT She has a good healthy attitude about work. Rule 2: Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them. Example: The girl is a popular, energetic student. Return to Previous ?Return to Previous ? Move to Next ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT To apply for this job, you must have a Social Security card. Rule 10: Use a comma after the phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. Example: In order to be successful in college, you must develop a consistent work ethic. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT Please, Sasha, come home from work. Rule 4: Use a commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed. Example: Please, Alex, take the trash out to the dumpster today. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT I can go, cant I? Rule 15: Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: This road was plowed yesterday, wasnt it? Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT The dog, which may already be clear to you, is not feeling healthy at this time. Rule 8: Use commas to set off expressions interrupting sentence flow. Example: This video, according to multiple magazine reports, is not meant to be watched those under fourteen. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT Mae said, Why dont you come up and see me sometime? Rule 14: Use a comma to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines. Example: What he actually said was, Remove the seat from the hallway. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT My hometown has been Traverse City, MI for the past three years. Rule 6: Use a comma to separate the city from the state. Example: The band mostly played at a venue in Milwaukee, WI during their early years. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT It is drizzling, not pouring. Rule 16: Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: The dog belongs to the Hills, not the Thomas family. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT Jerry purchased the new bike, didnt he? Rule 15: Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: This road was plowed yesterday, wasnt it? Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT I met my favorite basketball player on December 9, 2000, at Biggby Coffee. Rule 5: Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year. Example: Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 1999, on a exquisite summer day. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT I would, however, like to return this recent purchase. Rule 18: Use a comma when surrounding words, such as therefore, however when they are used as interrupters. Example: This shovel, however, does not clear out snow that well. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT Chris was a friendly, old teacher. Rule 3: Use a comma when an ly adjective is used with other adjectives. Example: Emily is a friendly, supportive community member. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT The most essential components of basketball are passing, shooting, and dribbling. Rule 1: Use a comma to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. Example: The My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT Al Mooney, M.D., knew Sam Sunny Jr. and Charles Starr III. Rule 7: Use comma to surround degrees or titles used with names. Example: Jeff Stannard, Ph.D., took on all the responsibilities in the new book club. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT I chose the colors red and green, and blue was his first choice. Rule 13: Use a comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion. Example: I have selected to buy an iPad and printer, and Bill has chosen to purchase a laptop. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT Well, I do not agree that excess trash is destroying the environment. Rule 17: Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes. Example: Now, this may be the biggest problem I have ever faced. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT If you are not sure about this, let me know now. Rule 9: Use a comma when starting with a weak introductory clause. Example: If you have a question about this, please address this now. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT I am almost finished staining the floors, but he still is working on trimming the doors. Rule 12: Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by coordinating conjunction-and, or, but, for nor. Example: I have seen the first Spiderman movie, but not the second. Return to Previous ?Move to Next ?

CORRECT I am, as you may have noticed, very anxious to get this lesson started. Rule 8: Use commas to set off expressions interrupting sentence flow. Example: This video, according to multiple magazine reports, is not meant to be watched by those under the age fourteen. Return to Previous ?

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