Commas that set off Parenthetical Expressions Remember to keep these notes in the Grammar Section of your notebook.

Parenthetical Expressions This rule is simply a collection of four small rules. All of them are extra items added to the sentence. Put commas on both sides to set it off from the rest of the sentence.

Parenthetical Expressions Names of People Being Addressed Don’t walk your dog here, Larry. Why would you do that, Larry, after your accident? Larry, don’t forget the cheese. Make sure that the name is just something to grab the listener’s attention. You must be talking to someone directly. Never put commas around a name if it is an important part of the sentence like the Subject or Indirect Object.

Flava’ Flav’ sez: Notice that we put commas around words added “Fo’ Flava’” Flava’ Flav’, singer for Public Enemy

Parenthetical Expressions Transitional Adverbs: therefore, however, nevertheless, furthermore. Hint: any time you see these four words, put commas around them. –Nevertheless, the movie made money. –The actors, therefore, became famous. –The cats, however, escaped through the open door.

Parenthetical Expressions Contrasting Expressions: “This, not that” Mighty Mouse, not Mickey Mouse, is a super hero. I want this shirt, not that one. Brooklyn, not LA, is the original home of the Dodgers.

Parenthetical Expressions Common Expressions: “I think”, “I believe”, “of course” Only put commas around these words if it is a little extra information that is added to the sentence. The “I” can never be the subject and the “think/believe” can never be the verb since those are important parts of the sentence. If “I think, I believe, of course” come at the beginning of the sentence, do not put a comma. The Lakers, I think, will win. I think the Spurs will lose. (no comma)

Grammatical Explanation “Pickles are delicious, I think.” “I think pickles are delicious.” (grammatically incorrect) “I think that pickles are delicious.”

Practice The mayor I believe will make it an official holiday. Mr. Nare may I ask you a question? Therefore you should never mix vinegar and baking soda. Make our reservations for six not seven.

Answers The mayor, I believe, will make it an official holiday. Mr. Nare, may I ask you a question? Therefore, you should never mix vinegar and baking soda. Make our reservations for six, not seven.

List of Rules 1.Intro (intro material comes first) 2.Adjectives (comma between 2 adj.) 3.Series (3 things in a list) 4.Parenthetical (4 small rules) 5.Compound (S,V,Conj,S,V)

Where does the comma go, and what rule is being applied? I would go swimming but I just ate. She would not go in the cold deep water. The dog nevertheless will jump in the water. Without a swimsuit I can’t go swimming. Whenever I swim I always get sunburned. He would always rather be in the mountains not the sea shore.

Answers I would go swimming, but I just ate. (compound) She would not go in the cold, deep water. (adj of equal rank) The dog, nevertheless, will jump in the water. (parenthetical) Without a swimsuit I can’t go swimming. (Intro material – short prep phrase) Whenever I swim, I always get sunburned. (Intro material, intro clause) He would always rather be in the mountains, not the sea shore. (parenthetical)

Where does the comma go, and what rule is being applied? Help I need somebody. The White Album Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s are my favorite Beatles albums. I saw Paul McCartney play and he put on a great show. My friend wanted to come but lost her ticket. While I was standing in the crowd at the concert I called her.

Answer Help, I need somebody. (Intro word) The White Album, Abbey Road, and Sgt. Pepper’s are my favorite Beatles albums. (items in a series) I saw Paul McCartney play, and he put on a great show. (compound) My friend wanted to come but lost her ticket. (almost a compound but missing 2 nd subject) While I was standing in the crowd at the concert, I called her. (intro clause)