Introductory Phrases Introductory Clauses Interruptions Explanatory Phrases Appositives Sentence Unit III Punctuation and Grammar Rhythm and Flow Varying Sentence Structure for Meaning

Name: _____________________ The Comma: Punctuation and Grammar Rhythm and Flow Part I Items in a Series Compound Sentences Interjections Words at the Beginning Introductory Phrases and Clauses Sentence Unit III Punctuation and Grammar Rhythm and Flow Varying Sentence Structure for Meaning Introductory Phrases Introductory Clauses Interruptions Explanatory Phrases Appositives

Students will understand that using commas will allow them to vary sentence structure in their writing. Students will understand that the comma allows the reader to judge rhythm, direction, pace, and flow of writing. Students will understand that the comma is a useful and necessary punctuation mark with a wide variety of grammatical functions.

How do writers vary sentence structure? How does the comma allow readers to judge rhythm, direction, pace, and flow of writing? Why is the comma such a useful and necessary punctuation mark? How can I use commas to create more interesting sentences?

Introductory Phrases During the season, I use two separate hockey sticks. Rule Use a comma to separate a long phrase that comes before the main part of a sentence.

What is a Phrase? During the morning, we worked on skating and passing. A phrase is a group of related words. Phrases cannot stand alone as sentences. They do not have a subject and a predicate.

Introductory Phrases In fact, the planet Mars glows red on a clear night. During the track meet, Mike lost his sweatshirt. After a break, the runner continued on with his marathon. Before leaving for school, Martha decided to go to the gym. In the morning, Annie woke from a deep sleep with an urge to eat cereal. Between March and April, the little boy grew three inches.

Introductory Phrases Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Introductory Clauses Although I asked for new skates for my birthday, I only got new socks. Rule Use a comma to separate a dependent clause that comes before the main part of a sentence.

Dependent Clause Although I practiced my slap shot for hours, I still needed more work. A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Introductory Clauses With sweat pouring down his face, the point-guard stepped up to the free-throw line. Although I was tired, I finished the paper by the 6:00 A.M. deadline. As the man was walking into the store, he came face-to-face with his childhood sweetheart. Because the rain was torrential, the day’s Little League games were postponed. Grabbing her umbrella, Kate raced out of the house. Before the curtain fell, the actors bowed. If the next two nights are sellouts, the play will be extended.

Introductory Clauses Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Interruptions Aunt Roselyn, of course, would not wear the parrot costume. George, therefore, had to leave the drugstore in a hurry. Rule Use commas to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main part of a sentence. Words or phrases that you can use to interrupt main thoughts: for exampleto be suremoreover howeveras a matter of factin fact of coursethereforespecifically Tests 1. Take out the word or phrase. The meaning of the sentence should not change. 2. Move the word or phrase to another part of the sentence. The meaning should not change.

Interruptions She will, however, be the best possible choice for the position. Your brother, for example, might want to get trained in a new field. I am, as a matter of fact, enrolling in a new course this semester. The university, in fact, is offering courses for kids your age.

Interruptions Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Explanatory Phrases Timothy, who lives in New York, has his own ice cream company. Rule Use a comma to set off an explanatory phrase from the rest of the sentence. (Explanatory means helping to explain.) Ex: Sebastian, back from his visit to Florida, told us all about the trip.

Explanatory Phrases This new car, according to the latest government reports, rates high on stability. Joe Hill, who sits next to me in class, is a good writer. Mark Griffin, who lives in New York City, specializes in writing. The author, who likes to vacation in Miami, visits our school each year.

Explanatory Phrases Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Appositives Jen, the craziest kid in our class, scored the most points. Rule Use a comma to set off appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase that is another way of saying the noun or pronoun before it. Mr. O’Neil, our history teacher, says that it is important to understand the U.S. Constitution.

Appositives The book, A Study of Inuit Art, was impressive on the coffee table. Jim, the mechanic, is the real expert on a car’s performance. Mr. Imbriano, our math teacher, took us on three field trips this year. Apples, an incredible source of fiber, are cheap and easy to find.

Appositives Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Vary Your Sentence Structure: pages Commas: pages Understanding Sentences: pages