Transcript Commas - Kentucky Department of Education

Commas
• An end mark is used to separate complete
thoughts. A comma is used to separate words
or groups of words within a complete thought.
• Use commas to separate items in a series.
• Words, phrases, and clauses in a series
separated by commas to show the reader
where one item in the series ends and the
next begins.
Commas
Words in a series
• Hammock, canoe, and moccasin are three of
the words that English-speaking people owe
to Native Americans. (nouns)
• Always stop, look, and listen before crossing
railroad tracks. (verbs)
• In the morning, the lake looked cold, gray, and
clam. (adjectives)
Commas
Phrases in a series
• Tightening the spokes, checking the tire
pressure, and oiling the gears, Carlos prepared
his bike for the race. (participial phrases)
• We found seaweed in the water, on the sand,
under the rocks, and later in our shoes.
(prepositional phrases)
• Clearing the table, washing the dishes, and
putting everything always took almost an
hour. (gerund phrases)
Commas
Clauses in a series
• We didn’t know where we were going, how
we would get there, or when we would arrive.
(subordinate clauses)
• The lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and the
orchestra began to play. (short independent
clauses)
• Note: always be sure that there are at least
three items in a series; two items do not need
a comma between them.
Commas
• Use a comma to separate two or more
adjectives that come before a noun.
• Ex. An Arabian horse is a fast, beautiful animal.
• Many ranchers depended on the small, tough,
sure-footed mustang.
Commas
Compound Sentences
• Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or
yet when it joins independent clauses.
• Ex. The musical comedy started as an American
musical form, and its popularity has spread
throughout the world.
• A comma is always used before nor, for, so, or
yet joining independent clauses.
• Ex. We will not give up, nor will we fail.
• Ex. Everyone seemed excited, for it was time to
begin.
Commas
Interrupters
• Use commas to set off an expression that
interrupts a sentence.
• Two commas are needed if the expression to
be set off comes in the middle of the sentence.
One comma is needed if the expression comes
first or last.
• Ex. My favorite gospel singers, BeBe and CeCe
Winans, were on TV last night.
• Ex. Yes, I’ll call back later.
• Ex. How did you do in karate class today, Kami.
Commas
Interrupters
• Use commas to set off a nonessential participial
phrase or a nonessential subordinate clause.
• A nonessential phrase or clause add information
that the reader doesn’t need to understand the
meaning of the sentence.
• Ex. Harvard College, founded in 1636, is the
oldest college in the United States.
Commas
Interrupters
• Use commas to set off an appositive or an
appositive phrase that is nonessential.
• Ex. My best friend, Nancy, is studying ballet.
• Ex. Nancy, my best friend, has won a dance
scholarship.
Commas
Interrupters
• Use commas to set off words used in direct
address.
• Ex. Mrs. Clarkson, this package is addressed to
you.
• Use commas to set off a parenthetical
expression.
• Ex. The president said, of course, that he was
deeply disappointed.
Commonly Used Parenthetical
Expression
after all
generally speaking nevertheless
at any rate on the other hand of course
by the way
I believe (hope, suppose, think)
on the contrary
for example
however
for instance
in my opinion
therefore
Introductory Words, Phrases, and
Clauses
• Use a comma after certain introductory
elements.
• Use a comma after yes, no, or any mild
exclamation such as well or why at the beginning
of a sentence.
• Ex. Yes, I understand the problem
• Ex. Well, I think we should ask for help.
Introductory Words, Phrases, and
Clauses
• Use a comma after an introductory prepositional
phrase if the phrase is long or if two or more
phrases appear together.
• Ex. At the bottom of the card for Drew, Julie
wrote, “Happy Birthday, Kiddo.”
• Use a comma after a verbal phrase that
introduces a sentence.
• Ex. Forced onto the sidelines by a sprained
ankle, Carlos was restless and unhappy.
Introductory Words, Phrases, and
Clauses
• Use a comma after an introductory adverb
clause.
• Ex. When March came, the snow fort began
to melt and break down.
Conventional Situations
• Use commas in certain conventional situations.
• Use commas to separate items in dates and
addresses.
• Ex. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention
signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787, in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly
letter and after the closing of any letter.
• Ex. Dear Aunt Margaret,
• Ex. Sincerely yours,