PUNCTUATION Holt ch.14

COMMAS wksht. A RULE 1

: Use a comma to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a series of three or more. She had a bagel

,

an apple

,

and juice. (words) The dog went in the house

,

to his bowl

,

and up the stairs.

(phrases) We ate

,

we danced

,

and then we left. (clauses)

COMMAS wksht. A

RULE 1 : Use a comma to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a series of three or more. Some writers do not use the COMMA before the conjunction with a series, but you SHOULD use a comma there! She cried , kicked and screamed during the tantrum. NO!!

She cried , kicked , and screamed during the tantrum.

YES!!

COMMAS wksht. A

RULE 2: use a comma between two adjectives (in a row) preceding a noun wild , aggressive dog Do the check test. Can you switch them around? Can you use “and”?

wild and aggressive dog aggressive and wild dog If the switch makes sense, you need a comma.

COMMAS wksht. A RULE 2: two adjectives in a row describing a noun

fat , hairy cat steamy , delicious soup hairy , wild Siberian husky ugly , vicious French poodle warm , crunchy French bread

COMMAS wksht. B RULE 3

: Use a comma before a conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins independent clauses in a sentence. I wanted vanilla ice cream. All they had was chocolate. I wanted vanilla

,

but all they had was chocolate. (subject and verb) , BUT (independent) , BUT (subject and verb) (independent)

COMMAS wksht. B

RULE 3 : Use a comma before a conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins independent clauses in a sentence. DO NOT BE FOOLED! WARNING! DO NOT BE FOOLED!

MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES AND THAT BOTH CONTAIN A SUBJECT AND A VERB in order to use the comma between the independent clauses! Usually we study in the morning and play basketball in the afternoon .

(subject and verb) , and (verb)

COMMAS wksht. C

RULE 3: Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.

Two commas are needed if the INTERRUPTER is in the middle of the sentence .

Anne Meyers , our neighbor, is a good golfer.

One comma is needed if the INTERRUPTER or ends the sentence.

starts Of course, I would like to win. My answer is correct , I suppose .

COMMAS wksht C

Do not worry about essential versus non-essential ! This is an eighth or ninth grade standard.

Cross off activity B on worksheet C side! For now, put commas around all interrupters whether essential or not!

COMMAS wksht C

Types of interrupters: Participial Phrase: A phrase that looks like a verb, but it functions as an adjective.

Paul

,

thrilled by the applause

,

took a bow.

My sister

,

listening to the radio

,

did not hear me.

Ellis Island , rebuilt as a museum, opened in 1990.

COMMAS wksht C

Types of interrupters: Adjective Dependent Clause: who, whose, which, whom (along with a verb) Paul

,

who won the contest

,

took a bow.

My sister

,

whom I dislike

,

did not hear me.

Ellis Island

,

which was rebuilt

,

opened in 1990.

COMMAS wksht C

Types of interrupters: Appositive phrase: noun/pronoun phrase used to identify or rename the subject.

Paul

,

my neighbor

,

took a bow.

My sister

,

the littlest

,

was there.

Ellis Island

,

the museum

,

opened in 1990.

COMMAS wksht D

Types of interrupters: Direct Address: speaking directly to a person or group of people Paul, take a bow please.

Take a bow , Paul, please. Take a bow please , Paul.

EXAMPLES:

Good work , students. Congratulations , track team! Help me , boys! Did you hear me , Jennifer?

EXAMPLES:

Ladies , get ready. Gentlemen , let’s go! Happy birthday , Brenden! Congratulations , Mom!

COMMAS wksht D

Types of interrupters: Parenthetical Expression: a side remark that could be in parenthesis; not very important, and kind of conversational or transitional Paul , by the way , took a bow.

My sister , of course , was there.

Ellis Island , I suppose , opened in 1990.

COMMAS wksht D

Common Parenthetical Expressions BY THE WAY I BELIEVE IN FACT TO TELL THE TRUTH HOWEVER IN MY OPINION I SUPPOSE ON THE OTHER HAND NEVERTHELESS

COMMAS

RULE 4 : To set off introductory of prep phrases of 5 or more words From my house to your house , miles. it is five Near the old general store, there is a gas station.

COMMAS

RULE 5 : To set off introductory WORDS First, I want to go home. Then, I want to have a snack. Yes, it will be a healthy one. But, I want ice cream. Still, I will resist the temptation

.

COMMAS

RULE 6: To set off an introductory dependent clause After she won the trophy , we celebrated.

DEPENDENT CLAUSE STARTERS

AS UNTIL ALTHOUGH UNLESS AFTER BEFORE BECAUSE WHEN WHENEVER WHERE IF WHEREVER IN ORDER TO WHILE SINCE WHETHER

EXAMPLES

Since you did not sleep well , you are tired.

Because you are tired

,

you fell asleep at school.

When the teacher called home

,

you were worried.