Commas Part I

Commas A comma represents a short pause. They make long sentences easier to read. Most used internal punctuation mark…and the one with the most errors! 2 rules: Commas can be used to separate similar items Commas can be used to set off a single item at the beginning, middle, or end of sentence

Independent vs. Dependent Clause Independent clause- has SUBJECT and VERB and can STAND ALONE Dependent clause- has SUBJECT and VERB but CANNOT STAND ALONE Dependent clauses have a “marker word” such as: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to , since, though, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, while

Commas with Compound Sentences A compound sentence is two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet) Rule: Use a comma before the conjunction to separate two independent clauses. Ex. Bill and Sara are going to the mall, and they will buy Mom a present. (COMMA NEEDED) Ex. Bill and Sara are going to the mall and will buy Mom a present. (NO COMMA- 1 SUBJ AND 2 VERBS)

Commas in a series Rule: Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series. Ex. Some farmers sell grain, dairy, and fruits. Ex. Other farmers belong to a marketing cooperative, to a terminal market, or to an auction market. Ex. The bank filled with people who transferred their accounts, who cashed checks, and who opened safe-deposit boxes.

Commas in a series cont. Two exceptions: 1. When each item in a series is joined to the next item by a conjunction, no commas are necessary. Ex. Supermarkets and grocery stores and restaurants sell a variety of foods. (CORRECT). OR…Supermarkets, grocery stores, and restaurants sell a variety of foods. (CORRECT). 2. Commas are not necessary between pairs of items thought of as one item Ex. I asked for ham and eggs, coffee and cream, and bread and butter.

Commas with multiple adjectives Use commas to divide adjectives of equal rank Helpful hint: Use a comma when the word “and” could be inserted between adjectives: Ex. Correct: The dog’s matted, filthy coat needs washing. Ex. Correct: The dog’s filthy, matted coat needs washing. Ex. Correct: The dog’s matted and filthy coat needs washing. Do not use commas to separate adjectives that must stay in a specific order. Ex. The tightly restricted food market is regulated by the government Ex. The tightly, restricted food market is regulated by the government (wrong)

Note about commas with adjectives Do NOT use a comma to separate the last adjective in a series from the word it modifies: Incorrect: The truck followed a long, twisting, scenic, road. Correct: The truck followed a long, twisting, scenic road. Practice (correct or need commas?): 1. Several old shoes 2. Attractive colorful packaging 3. Busy powerful market 4. Many new marketplaces 5. Cooperative grocery merchant.

Commas after introductory material Rule: Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause: Words: Introductory words: “No, I will not buy that.” Nouns of direct address: “Cindy, will you smile?” Common expressions: “Of course, we can do that!” Introductory adverbs: “Obviously, the baby slept.”

Rule: Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause: Prepositional phrases: “In the book next to the sink, you will find the answer.” Participial phrases: “Jumping over the fence, the horse caught it’s back hoof.” Infinitive phrases: “To buy things on the Internet, a credit card is required.”

Rule: Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause: Subordinate adverb clauses: Ex. Correct: “When WWII ended, shopping centers became popular.” Ex. Correct: “After you take the test, work on homework” Note: Do not use a comma if the adverb clause comes after the main clause: Ex. The whole school celebrated, after the team won. (INCORRECT) Ex. The whole school celebrated after the team won. (NO COMMA-CORRECT)

Common Subordinating Conjunctions After, unless, although, until, as long as, as far as, when, whenever, wherever, because, while, as thought, once, before, since, If, Though, etc. Ex. Once you eat your peas, you can have dessert. Ex. If you go to the store, you will see the sale. Ex. Before you begin, check the list.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions Ex. 1: Once you eat your peas, you can have dessert. BUT, IF THE ADVERB PHRASE COMES AFTER… Ex. You can have dessert once you finish your peas (NO COMMA!!) Ex. 2:Before you begin, check the list. Ex. Check the list before you begin. (NO COMMA!!)

Commas Practice: Add commas or write “C” for correct 1. Yes the waiter did ignore the rude obnoxious customer! 2. Joey ate all of his peas but he refused to eat his lima beans. 3. Since the expansion of the Internet research has become easier. 4. To maintain excellent grades in your classes is an accomplishment. 5. After hearing the story the young girl cried. 6. Balloons streamers and confetti were the party decorations. 7. As cucumbers grow their vines need room to expand. 8. You will come to my dance recital won't you? 9. The whole family rejoiced after hearing the good news. 10. Bobby and Carrie are going to the play and they will bring flowers for the cast.