Name: _____________________ The Comma: Punctuation and Grammar Rhythm and Flow Part I Words in a Series Compound Sentences Interjections Words at the Beginning Introductory Phrases and Clauses

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 writes 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?

Words in a Series I want a hockey stick, skates, and a helmet for my birthday. Rule Place commas between words, phrases, or clauses in a series. A series is three items or more in a row.

Words in a Series Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Compound Sentences Tim got a new baseball bat for his birthday, but he really wanted a new hockey stick. Rule Use a comma between two independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet.

Compound Sentences Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Words at the Beginning of Sentences Yes, I can always use additional hockey equipment. Rule Place a comma after words like oh, yes, and no at the beginning of a sentence.

Words at the Beginning Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Interjections Wow, that was an easy game! Rule Use a comma to separate a mild interjection from the rest of the sentence. Wow, look at that sunrise! Hey, we’re up early! The following words are often used as interjections. HelloHeyAh Oh myNo kiddingHmm ReallyWowWell

Interjections Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Introductory Phrases After a Phrase: 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.

Introductory Phrases Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

Introductory Clauses After a dependent clause: 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.

Introductory Clauses Three sentences you found Three sentences you wrote

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 both a subject and a predicate.

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.

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