Commas Lesson

Case #1: Use a comma after each word, except the last word, in a series of three or more. Examples:

The books that we read were in English, French, and Chinese.

Strawberry, pistachio, chocolate, and banana are the flavors. Case # 2: Use a comma after an introductory word, such as yes, no, well, why, or sure. Case #3:
Use a comma after a transition word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence. Examples:

Consequently, she had to get a ticket.

Therefore, John must be held responsible. Case # 4:
Use a comma or commas to set off a noun of direct address. Tom, please answer the questions in the correct order.

Would you like to stay, Maria, or do you have to go? Case #5: Using commas to write a date and to address a city and state. Marisa Fields was born in Denver, Colorado. Case #6 : Use commas before and after an abbreviated title following a name, such as Jr. or M.D. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a minister,
like his father Martin Luther King, Sr. English File: Commas When, where, and why? Punctuate the following sentences: Do Now: Examples:

Yes, I will be able to attend the meeting.

Why, that was awkward! Examples: Examples: Sally Peters sailed on November 20, 1998. Dr. Joseph Fields, Jr., is a certified doctor of dental surgery. Case #7: Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify the same noun. Examples: She combed her long, glossy, and highlighted hair. The dog ate his smelly, disgusting, old food. Examples: John's favorite show was on tonight, but it was a rerun. (Compound sentence) Sara shut off the TV and read a book. (Compound predicate) Case #9: Use a comma to separate the speaker tag from a direct quotation. When a quotation comes before the speaker tag and is statement or a command, use a comma after the last word and before the closing quotation mark. Examples: Case #10: Use a comma after a phrase or clause that is used as a modifier at the beginning of a sentence. Examples: While cleaning the cage, she began to sing a song.

Screaming loudly, she walked out of the room. Case # 11: Use commas to set off a parenthetical expression, which interrupts the flow of thought in a sentence. Examples: The book, I really dislike, is used in both sections of the course.

I used the notes in the presentation, I think. Case # 12: Use a comma to set off a phrase or clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Do not use commas if the phrase or clause is necessary to the sentence's meaning. Examples: The book, containing several authors, only focused on the life of Robert Frost.

The student, only caring about himself, ignored his classmate's request. And finally, Case # 13: Use commas to set off an appositive that is not essential. (An appositive is a word or phrase that renames or identifies the noun that comes before it. Do not use commas with an appositive that is essential. Examples: The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories, was written in Middle English. The novel, a fictional prose narrative, was my
favorite selection. Case #8: Use a comma before and, but, or or
when joining two independent clauses into a compound sentence. Do not use a comma in a simple sentence with a compound predicate. Review Commas are important! "Comma Humor" Performance Task: Get into groups of two. One student will act as the sentence and another
student will intervene playing the role of a comma. "Take-Home Assignment" Be creative in constructing your sentences. Be a "Comma Detective" Ms. Rosario
Language Arts: Writing Review! A Short History
of Commas Write a sentence using a comma or commas. Then explain why you used the punctuation.
(Try to make a connection to what you've learned in another class.)