Why are commas important?

1
Using Commas
Why are commas important? Items in a
series Independent clauses Introductory
elements Interrupters Conventional uses of
commas Review A Review B
2
Why are commas important?
Commas help make the meaning of a sentence clear
by setting apart elements in the sentence.
Too many commas can clutter a sentence and
confuse readers.
Problem Unnecessary commas
Amy, and I put a DVD, and a fashion catalog, in
the time capsule, and, then, our friend, Jack,
added a miniature, flashlight.
3
Why are commas important?
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Problem Missing commas
Derek Lucia and Ben are making spaghetti squash
spinach salad and garlic bread for dinner.

Is Derek being spoken to, or is he one of the
people making dinner?
Are they making spaghetti squash? Or spaghetti
and also squash?
Are they making a spinach salad? Or spinach and
also a salad?
4
Why are commas important?
With commas placed correctly, the meaning of the
sentence is now clear.
Derek, Lucia, and Ben are making spaghetti,
squash, spinach salad, and garlic bread for
dinner.
End of Section
5
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Words in a series
Phrases in a series
6
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series
7
Items in a series
If all the items in a series are joined by and,
or, or nor, do not use commas to separate them.
Grammar Guy Says...
Bring the paint and some brushes and a roller.

Daryl or Juan or Yvette will represent the senior
class.
8
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Short independent clauses
Two or more adjectives preceding a noun
9
Items in a series
To determine whether to use a comma between two
adjectives, insert and between the adjectives. If
and fits sensibly between them, use a comma.
Grammar Guy Says...
It was a crisp and clear and autumn day.
It was a crisp, clear autumn day.
And sounds sensible between crisp and clear but
not between clear and autumn.
10
Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences,
and add commas where necessary.
1. Armando sang danced and juggled in the talent
show.
2. Sal is an eager willing able young man.
3. My parents always ask me where Im going who
will be there and when Ill be home.
4. Ill draw the plans Clay will get the supplies
and Kerry will build the fountain.
11
Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences,
and add commas where necessary.
,
,
1. Armando sang danced and juggled in the talent
show.
Use commas to separate words in a series.
12
Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences,
and add commas where necessary.
,
,
2. Sal is an eager willing able, young man.
Use commas to separate two or more adjectives
preceding a noun.
13
Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences,
and add commas where necessary.
,
3. My parents always ask me where Im going who
will be there and when Ill be home.
,
Use commas to separate clauses in a series.
14
Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences,
and add commas where necessary.
,
,
4. Ill draw the plans Clay will get the supplies
and Kerry will build the fountain.
Use commas to separate short independent clauses.
15
Items in a series
On Your Own

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• My father has worked as a teacher a librarian and
  a computer programmer.
• Should we go to the mall to the park or to Yokos
  house?
• Mel washed the dishes took out the trash and
  mowed the huge overgrown front yard.

End of Section
16
Items in a series
Answers

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• My father has worked as a teacher a librarian and
  a computer programmer.
• Should we go to the mall to the park or to Yokos
  house?
• Mel washed the dishes took out the trash and
  mowed the huge overgrown front yard.

,
,
,
,
,
,
,
17
Independent clauses
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or
yet when it joins independent clauses.
We looked for seats, but the subway car was
crowded.
Amy followed the recipe carefully, for she had
never made paella before.
The sky looks clear, yet rain has been forecast.
18
Independent clauses
An independent clause has a subject and a verb
and expresses a complete thought.
An independent clause can stand by itself as a
sentence.
Subject
Verb
We
looked
for seats.
Subject
Verb
The subway car
was
crowded.
19
Independent clauses
Do not be fooled by compound verbs, which can
make a sentence look like a compound sentence. Do
not use a comma between the parts of a compound
verb.
Grammar Guy Says...
Dad ordered the new coat but then changed his
mind.
One subject with a compound verb.
20
Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Are you busy Friday night or would you like
to go to the movies?
2. I am eating dinner now but will call you back
later.
3. We shivered and clutched our jackets close
for the wind had picked up.
21
Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
1. Are you busy Friday night or would you like
to go to the movies?
M
The word or joins two independent clauses, so it
should be preceded by a comma.
22
Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. I am eating dinner now but will call you back
later.
C
This sentence has a single subject, I, and a
compound verb. It does not have two independent
clauses, so no comma is needed before but.
23
Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
3. We shivered and clutched our jackets close
for the wind had picked up.
M
The word for joins two independent clauses, so it
should be preceded by a comma.
24
Independent clauses
On Your Own

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• Quilting is a practical folk art and it is also a
  relaxing and enjoyable pastime.
• They did not go to sleep nor did they stop
  talking that first night in the college dorm.
• I knew my part well and was prepared yet I felt
  nervous about opening night.

End of Section
25
Independent clauses
Answers

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• Quilting is a practical folk art and it is also a
  relaxing and enjoyable pastime.
• They did not go to sleep nor did they stop
  talking that first night in the college dorm.
• I knew my part well and was prepared yet I felt
  nervous about opening night.

,
,
,
26
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or why
Well, have you come up with a plan for this
evening?
Introductory words such as yes and no
Yes, I want to finish my birdhouse.
27
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Introductory participial phrases
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the
podium.
Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or
one long one.
Near the beginning of the trail, the scout leader
found an overturned canoe.
28
Introductory elements
A participial phrase is used as an adjective and
consists of a participle and any complements or
modifiers the participle has.
participle
participial phrase
participle
participial phrase
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the
podium.
Hidden by the dense brush, the rabbit sat
absolutely still.
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the
podium.
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the
podium.
Hidden by the dense brush, the rabbit sat
absolutely still.
Hidden by the dense brush, the rabbit sat
absolutely still.
The participial phrase looking poised and calm
modifies the noun Jill.
The participial phrase hidden by the dense brush
modifies the noun rabbit.
29
Introductory elements
A prepositional phrase includes a preposition,
the object of the preposition, and any modifiers
of that object.
object of the prep.
prep.
to the Oakridge Public Library
to the Oakridge Public Library
to the Oakridge Public Library
object of the prep.
object of the prep.
prep.
prep.
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
30
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
As he turned the key, the engine started.
31
Introductory elements
An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that
modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.
Adverb clauses generally tell how, when, where,
why, how, how much, to what extent, or under what
circumstances the action of the verb takes place.
As he turned the key, the engine started.
As he turned the key tells when the engine
started.
32
Introductory elements
A subordinate clause (or dependent clause) does
not express a complete thought and cannot stand
by itself as a sentence.
after they tuned their instruments
What happened after they tuned their instruments?
which damages crops every year
What damages the crops?
33
Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. As I walked into the house the phone rang.
2. Yes we can give you a refund.
3. Trailing in the fourth quarter our team was
able to come from behind to win the game.
4. In the morning she always walks the dog.
34
Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
1. As I walked into the house the phone rang.
M
As I walked into the house is an introductory
adverb clause and should be set off by a comma.
35
Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
2. Yes we can give you a refund.
M
Introductory words such as yes and no are set off
by a comma.
36
Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
3. Trailing in the fourth quarter our team was
able to come from behind to win the game.
M
Trailing in the fourth quarter is an introductory
participial phrase and should be set off by a
comma.
37
Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
C
4. In the morning she always walks the dog.
The single, short introductory prepositional
phrase In the morning does not require a comma.
38
Introductory elements
On Your Own

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• Sleeping soundly Ben did not hear the car pull
  away.
• Why those flowers are just beautiful, arent
  they?
• By the end of the second day of school Josie had
  already made several new friends.
• 4. If you want to volunteer for the Special
  Olympics sign up here.

End of Section
39
Introductory elements
Answers

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• Sleeping soundly Ben did not hear the car pull
  away.
• Why those flowers are just beautiful, arent
  they?
• By the end of the second day of school Josie had
  already made several new friends.
• 4. If you want to volunteer for the Special
  Olympics sign up here.

,
,
,
,
40
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Marie Curie, who studied radioactivity, won the
Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.
Nonessential clause
The kitten, frightened by the thunder, jumped
into my lap.
Nonessential phrase
41
Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) clause or
phrase adds information that is not necessary to
the main idea in the sentence.
Marie Curie, who studied radioactivity, won the
Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.
Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in
1911.
Removing the nonessential clause does not change
the main idea of the sentence.
42
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases
The Jacobs cat, Sophie, is shy around new people.
Nonessential appositive
Nonessential appositive phrase
Tyrell, my oldest nephew, plays the saxophone.
43
Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) appositive or
appositive phrase provides information that is
unnecessary to the basic meaning of the sentence.
The Jacobs cat is shy around new people.
The Jacobs cat, Sophie, is shy around new people.
Removing the nonessential appositive does not
change the meaning of the sentence.
44
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Direct address
Everyone, do you have your artworks ready to turn
in?
Your painting, Andy, is very original.
Please show us your sketches, Amanda.
45
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Parenthetical expressions
On the contrary, exercise is usually relaxing.
My grandfather, by the way, created these
colorful sand paintings.
Jameson was the first of the seniors to solve the
puzzle, naturally.
46
Interrupters
Parenthetical expressions are side remarks that
add information or relate ideas.
Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions
after all generally speaking nevertheless
at any rate however of course
consequently I believe on the contrary
for example in the first place on the other hand
for instance moreover therefore
47
Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. I think Dan my twin brother has a new job.
2. Please answer the phone Deborah.
3. Students going on the trip tomorrow will meet
in the auditorium.
4. Our car which is more than seven years old
does not start on cold mornings.
48
Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
,
M
1. I think Dan my twin brother has a new job.
My twin brother is a nonessential appositive
phrase, so it should be set off by commas.
49
Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
M
2. Please answer the phone Deborah.
,
Deborah is used in direct address, so it should
be set off by a comma.
50
Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
C
3. Students going on the trip tomorrow will meet
in the auditorium.
The participial phrase going on the trip tomorrow
is not set off by commas because it is essential,
not nonessential.
51
Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
,
M
4. Our car which is more than seven years old
does not start on cold mornings.
Which is more than seven years old is a
nonessential clause, so it should be set off by
commas.
52
Interrupters
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences. 1. Have you seen Mr. Welch our new
accounting teacher? 2. The Youngstown Greek
Festival which includes food and dancing is a
popular local event. 3. Please listen class
while Jim makes an announcement. 4. His mother by
the way is a physics professor.
End of Section
53
Interrupters
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences. 1. Have you seen Mr. Welch our new
accounting teacher? 2. The Youngstown Greek
Festival which includes food and dancing is a
popular local event. 3. Please listen class
while Jim makes an announcement. 4. His mother by
the way is a physics professor.
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
54
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Separate items in dates and addresses
On Monday, January 28, 2008, I bought my pet
guinea pig.
They have lived at 108 Griffith Lane, Bethesda,
Maryland, for ten years.
55
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
After the salutation of a personal letter
Dear Dale and Amy,
My dear Jessica,
After the closing of any letter
Sincerely yours,
Warmest regards,
56
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Abbreviations such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they
follow persons names
Our guest speaker today is Lauren Henson, M.D.
Peter Grundel, Jr., has made several documentary
films.
57
Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Beginning Monday June 10 please address all
correspondence to 236 Meadowlark Lane, Omaha NE
68108-0335.
2. Kevin Harris Sr. will be retiring from the
police force on January 30 2012.
3. The letter was signed, Regards, Marianne
Peltier.
58
Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
,
1. Beginning Monday June 10 please address all
correspondence to 236 Meadowlark Lane Omaha NE
68108-0335.
M
,
,
Use a comma to separate items in dates and
addresses.
59
Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
,
,
M
2. Kevin Harris Sr. will be retiring from the
police force on January 30 2012.
,
Use commas to set off abbreviations such as Jr.,
Sr., and M.D. when they follow persons names.
Use a comma to separate items in dates.
60
Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. The letter was signed, Regards, Marianne
Peltier.
C
Use a comma after the closing of any letter.
61
Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• The Reyes family is moving to 1410 Tara Drive
  Greensboro North Carolina.
• The letter began, Dear Georgina How have you
  been?
• On August 27 2011 the new museum will have its
  grand opening.
• 4. Cecile Wong M.D. is our family doctor.

End of Section
62
Conventional uses of commas
Answers

• Add commas where needed in the following
  sentences.
• The Reyes family is moving to 1410 Tara Drive
  Greensboro North Carolina.
• The letter began, Dear Georgina How have you
  been?
• On August 27 2011 the new museum will have its
  grand opening.
• 4. Cecile Wong M.D. is our family doctor.

,
,
,
,
,
,
,
63
Review A
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the commas where
needed. _____ 1. The waiting room was decorated
in warm subtle earth tones so I felt relaxed
there. _____ 2. Everyone wanted to know who he
was what he wanted and how long he intended to
stay. _____ 3. People who are overly nervous may
not make good drivers. _____ 4. If we are going
to finish on time we will need more volunteers I
believe.
End of Section
64
Review A
Tell whether the following items are missing
commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the commas where
needed. _____ 1. The waiting room was decorated
in warm subtle earth tones so I felt relaxed
there. _____ 2. Everyone wanted to know who he
was what he wanted and how long he intended to
stay. _____ 3. People who are overly nervous may
not make good drivers. _____ 4. If we are going
to finish on time we will need more volunteers I
believe.
M
,
,
,
M
,
C
,
M
,
65
Review B

• Add commas where necessary in the following
  sentences.
• Before the start of the concert the musicians
  tuned their instruments.
• Geometry which I took last year was not an easy
  subject for me.
• The letter was dated June 16 2008 and was mailed
  from Washington D.C.
• Hoping to meet Oprah Winfrey we got tickets to a
  taping of her show.
• John Buse the president of our class asked me to
  sell tickets for the benefit concert.

End of Section
66
Review B

• Add commas where necessary in the following
  sentences.
• Before the start of the concert the musicians
  tuned their instruments.
• Geometry which I took last year was not an easy
  subject for me.
• The letter was dated June 16 2008 and was mailed
  from Washington D.C.
• Hoping to meet Oprah Winfrey we got tickets to a
  taping of her show.
• John Buse the president of our class asked me to
  sell tickets for the benefit concert.

,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
67
The End