1. COMMAS

2. Commas Rule 1: Use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. Example: I’m going camping and I’m taking bread, milk, and eggs. Rule 2: Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them. Example: He is a strong, healthy guy. We stayed at an expensive summer resort. You would not say expensive and summer resort. No comma needed.

3. Commas Rule 3: Use a comma when a -ly adjective is used with other adjectives. Example:Chris was a lonely, young boy. I get headaches in brightly lit rooms.- Brightly is not an adjective because it cannot be used alone with room, therefore no comma needed. Rule 4: Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person. Example:Will you, Lisa, do that for me? Yes, Doctor, I will. Capitalize a title when directly addressing someone.

4. Commas Rule 5: Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt the flow of a sentence. Example:I thought, as I was watching TV, that this show sucks. Rule 6: Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. Example:To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.

5. Commas Rule 7: Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction-- -and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are short. Example:I have finished working on the house, but she’s still painting the floors. I wash and she paints. Rule 8: Use the comma to separate two sentences, if it will help avoid confusion. Example:I chose the colors red and green, and blue was his first choice.

6. Commas Rule 9: Use a comma to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines. Example:She said, “I do not care.” “What,” he asked, “is the answer to the question?” Rule 10: Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example:I can go, can’t I? Rule 11: Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example:That is my money, not yours.

7. Commas

8. Complete the following exercises. Part I Directions: Proofread the following sentence for comma errors. Retype your corrections in the shaded box. If a sentence is correct, write C in the shaded box. 1. Because we had been saving money for a few months we had enough cash to purchase the flat-screen TV. 2. Rebecca brought home the injured bunny, and created a splint out of Popsicle sticks for its broken leg. 3. The cold impersonal atmosphere of the science lab was terrifying. 4. It is a small, unimportant part, but I’m happy to have it. 5. Jeanne’s nephew Michael graduated from the Air Force Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering.

9. 6. For his research paper on Pakistan Claude planned on interviewing a woman who was born and raised in Karachi. 7. My neighbor’s daughter who is an accomplished violist, recently auditioned for the New York Philharmonic, and was called back for another audition. 8. Rocker Brian May is also an astrophysicist. 9. More often than not someone remembers to feed the fish, and the bird. 10. Lisa wanted to paint the walls, or to wallpaper the room.

10. Directions: Rewrite the paragraphs in the shaded box, inserting commas where necessary. I n 1971 the rock band Queen was formed in London. Led by Freddie Mercury the band saw modest success after the release of their second album, Queen II. It wasn’t until the release of their third album Sheer Hear Attack in 1974 that the band reached international and commercial success. Their next album A Night At the Opera, has been described as one of the greatest albums ever recorded and includes one of the band’s most famous songs Bohemian Rhapsody which has been voted “the greatest song of all time” on numerous occasions. Other famous songs by Queen include We Will Rock You We Are the Champions Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Another One Bites the Dust.

11. As early as 1988 rumors spread that lead singer Freddie Mercury suffered from AIDS rumors Mercury flatly denied. However on November 23 1991 Mercury confirmed he had contracted the virus. He died the next day. With his death, it seemed Queen might become a memory but Bohemian Rhapsody was featured in the 1992 comedy Wayne’s World and the song reentered popular culture. Since then Queen has been recognized as one of the most popular and influential British rock bands of all time.