COMMA RULES



COMMA RULES

❑ Between adjectives[pic]

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun with the exceptions of colors and numbers.

Example: The happy, small newborn cried.

Example: The unhappy, jealous, vindictive ex-girlfriend spied.

Example: The sweet red roses were delivered.

❑ In a series[pic]

Use commas to separate items in a series(list). The comma before the ‘and’ is optional, but it is more prudent to use it than to omit it.

Example: Please pick up milk, bread, and oranges at the store.

Example: You need to get up at nine, take your sister to school, and get to work by ten.

❑ Between City and State[pic]

You must use a comma to between a city and state.

Example: We are going on vacation in Seattle, Washington.

❑ To Set Off a Direct Address[pic]

Use a comma when a sentence directly speaks to another person.

Example: Jennifer, will you please pick up the books?

Example: Steven, have you seen my keys?

❑ To Punctuate a Date[pic]

Use commas to separate a day of the week from the month as well as the date from the year.

Example: She was born on Thursday, December 19th , 1994.

Example: Prom was on Friday, May 12th.

❑ Words in Apposition – also called interrupters![pic]

These words give additional information about the preceding or following subject, but the sentence could function as complete without it.

Example: My teacher, who was once a college professor, gives difficult exams.

Example: Our new car, a 2002 Toyota Avalon, is in the shop.

❑ 4 Introductory Elements[pic]

Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements, such as verb phrases, prepositional phrases, adverbial clauses, and even single words (such as yes, well, or why).

Verb Phrases

These phrases show action, but the sentence would be complete without them.

Example: Running to the office, she dropped her wallet.

Example: Awarded the scholarship in 2001, she enrolled in the nursing program.

Single Words

Sometimes these words show emotion, or answer a question. The sentence reads

completely without them.

Example: Yes, I would love to go to the movies this weekend.

Example: Well, I’m not sure if I can borrow the car.

Example: Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do.

Adverbial Clauses

These clauses modify verbs. When they appear at the beginning of a sentence, they must be set off by a comma. The rest of the sentence can function as complete without the clause. They answer questions about the verb such as:

Why?

When?

Where?

To What Extent?

Under What Condition?

In What Manner?

Example: Whenever she works, she gives 110%. (answers the ?‘when’)

VERB

Example: Because they broke, the curtains were thrown away. (answers the ?‘why’)

VERB

Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase describes location in time or space. It begins with a preposition,

and includes everything up to the noun that follows it. When a sentence begins with a

prepositional phrase, it needs to be set off with a comma.

REVIEW of COMMON PREPOSITIONS:

about around against along at around across

above as amid after by behind between

before below beneath beyond but by despite

down during except from for into inside

in like near out off on outside

over onto of opposite past since through

toward to under until upon underneath with

within without

Prepositional Phrase = Preposition + Noun

Example: We went out for dinner after the party

NOUN

Example: We went out for dinner after the birthday party

NOUN

Remember, the rule states that prepositional phrase that start sentences must be set off by a comma.

Example: For the tenth time, pick up your dirty laundry.

Example: Before her retirement, she created the film considered her masterpiece.

❑ In a Compound Sentence, Before a Coordinating Conjunction

[pic]

A compound sentence is a sentence created by combining two independent clauses. Because these clauses could stand on their own, they need to be joined by a coordinating

conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so).

Example: I love him, but I had to end our engagement.

Example: She picked up the groceries, and I cleaned out the kitchen.

[pic]Comma Fun I

Name:

Insert comma(s) where needed in the following sentences. Then, write the rule you’ve followed on the line provided.

1. I want to go shopping but I don’t get paid until Friday.

2. Please put away the butter lettuce and milk.

3. I was born in Chicago Illinois.

4. Darren will you please put up the flag?

5. Graduation was on Thursday June 20th 2002.

6. My sister who attends A.S.U. lives on Rural.

7. Shivering in the night she grabbed a blanket.

8. Sadly there is no vaccine for cancer.

9. Because she got a raise she traded in her old car.

10. Over the intercom the end of break was announced.

11. The new red car glistened in the bright hot sunlight.

12. Hey could you grab me a cherry soda?

13. Wash the car clean the garage and start the grill before

you leave for the store.

14. Although she was late she stopped to help someone.

[pic]Comma Fun II

Name:

Insert comma(s) where needed in the following sentences. Then, write the rule you’ve followed on the line provided.

15. The long hot summer drew to a close.

16. I bought pens paper and a ruler.

17. I would love to visit Boston Massachusetts.

18. Steve have you completed your essay?

19. He was born on Friday June 15th.

20. My mom who works at Boeing was laid off.

21. Running through the streets she tripped.

22. Yes I will help you study for finals.

23. I was sad yet I couldn’t cry.

24. Around the block the building was torn down.

25. The hot steaming coffee spilled onto the white carpet.

26. Well do you have a better idea?

27. She walked the dog fed the cat and cleaned the kitchen

when she returned home from work.

28. Despite her fear she signed up for pilot lessons.

[pic]Comma Fun III

Name:

Insert comma(s) where needed in the following sentences. Then, write the rule you’ve followed on the line provided.

29. The large furry spider crawled up the wall.

30. She broke her leg ankle and big toe.

31. I went to school in Miami Florida.

32. Rachel did you get the mail today?

33. Washington was sworn in on April 30th 1789.

34. My daughter who works at M.C.I. is engaged.

35. Excited about the party she couldn’t sleep.

36. Strangely no fingerprints could be found.

37. For the right reasons he would stay in school.

38. Under intense scrutiny the witness cracked.

39. She was ecstatic for her birthday was tomorrow.

40. My boss the head of the department is retiring.

41. Take your temperature drink fluids and get plenty

of rest.

42. During the exam his heart began to race.

[pic]Comma Fun IV

Name:

Insert comma(s) where needed in the following sentences. Then, write the rule you’ve followed on the line provided.

43. The old torn jacked was stored in the attic.

44. Combine the eggs vanilla and sugar in a bowl.

45. Have you visited San Diego California?

46. Luis how are you feeling today?

47. My birth date is January 14th 1985.

48. My boyfriend who starts as a running back is number 19.

49. Shocked by the news she sunk to the ground.

50. Predictably the valuable item was missing.

51. You can return my book or you can pay for it.

52. Before the surgery he fasted for 24 hours.

53. The argumentative difficult child threw his toy at the wall.

54. Hey could you grab me a cherry soda?

55. Wash the car clean the garage and start the grill before

you leave for the store.

56. Although she was late she stopped to help someone.

Adjective Practice

Insert commas where necessary to separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun. Remember, colors are the exception to this rule.

1. She quickly ran up the tall steep hill to secure the gold shiny medal.

2. He hoped for a fast final resolution to the dispute at work.

3. They campaigned for healthy less expensive food on campus.

4. We studied intensely for the AIMS math exam, sweating our way through difficult numerous problems.

5. The sticky sugary ice cream melted mercilessly in the burning noon sun.

6. Over the weekend, she hoped to stop by the huge annual sale to pick up a new jacket.

7. Perhaps tomorrow will be a better happier day for everyone.

8. Lord of the Flies is a grueling unforgiving exploration of the human heart.

9. Sun Valley High School is planning a festive creative celebration for its ten year anniversary.

10. Before you go to the store, could you please see if my favorite leather handbag is in the car?

Series Practice

Insert commas where necessary to separate items in a series. Remember, a comma before the ‘and’ is optional, but it is more prudent to use it.

1. Please hand me the lettuce tomato cheese and bread.

2. I need to go to school at eight drive to work by two and return home no later than ten.

3. Can you pick up the family room mow the lawn and sweep the kitchen before the party?

4. Where can I go to buy ice cream sprinkles and bananas?

5. We can celebrate your birthday at Applebee’s Outback or Olive Garden.

6. Textbooks tuition and computer fees are the most expensive college costs.

7. Community colleges seek students who are dedicated energetic and creative.

8. Excellent attendance high grades and hard work are the highest predictors of AIMS success.

9. How can I go to the mall run back home and get to the restaurant in time for the surprise party?

10. Books chocolate and movies are the best gifts to give Ms. Britton.

Direct Address Practice

Please write a comma in where necessary to set off a direct address. Remember, a direct address happens when the writer directly speaking to another person.

1. Hey James could you please help me carry supplies to the classroom?

2. Stacy have you made up your time for Tuesday’s absence yet?

3. Erica did you see that truck cut me off?

4. Juan I’m so glad you interviewed for that job.

5. Angelica thank you for your help with watching the children.

City/ State, & Date Practice

Please write in a comma to separate a city and state, or to separate a day from month, or day of the month from year.

1. I hope to travel to Chicago Illinois to attend the Taste of Chicago.

2. Our holiday party will be at 6PM on Thursday December 18 2006.

3. For spring break, we will be flying to Panama City Beach Florida for a vacation.

4. Don’t forget that graduation is on Wednesday May 30 2007.

5. On January 17 2008 we will be getting married in Las Vegas Nevada.

Interrupter Practice

1. The album which was released Friday sold over a million copies.

2. The student believing he had made up his time did not come to campus Friday.

3. The athletes who had a playoff game on Saturday went to bed early.

4. Mrs. Hamilton whose office is in the college and career center is available first hour.

5. The skiers almost blinded by the wind slowly made their way down the slope.

6. Angel a devout fan has seen Tupac’s Resurrection fifty times.

7. The car was in her opinion the smartest buy.

8. Alec and Geannie should after all be nominated for valedictorian.

9. William Golding the Nobel Prize winning author published sixteen works.

10. English 101 in fact is offered for dual college and high school credit.

Verb Phrases Practice

1. Given the chance to improve Allen will take home work to catch up.

2. Walking to the car she was careful to be aware of her surroundings.

3. Standing up from his chair Julian got ready to leave the theater.

4. Mustering up courage he picked up his first piece of sushi.

5. Trying to memorize the recipe she concentrated on the TV show.

6. Helping her sister get ready for pictures she loaned her new sweater.

7. Overcoming his fear he picked up the Rotweiller puppy.

8. Rationalizing his mistake he tried to convince the principal that his violence was justified.

Single Word Practice

1. Yes I plan to attend your wedding reception on Friday.

2. Well I hope to be able to come to the play after work.

3. Hopefully she will be able to make it to the dentist on time.

4. Regretfully she declined the job offer.

5. No I will not be completing my independent study this block.

6. First you need to complete the journal entry.

7. Finally they shook hands and agreed to disagree.

8. Uncertain he walked slowly to the stage.

9. Strange I don’t remember where I put my keys.

10. Maybe but I need to decide which invitation to accept.

Adverbial Clause Practice

1. Wherever he goes there are fans who want his autograph.

2. Because he wasn’t sure where to turn he turned on the GPS system.

3. Quietly she walked over to the sleeping baby’s crib.

4. Shyly he asked the new girl to go to the prom.

5. Recently I tried to research IKEA products online.

6. Painfully he blocked out the throbbing in leg and hopped to the phone.

7. Quickly the soccer player dribbled down the field.

8. Early on in the quarter the guard fouled out.

9. Angrily the telemarketer slammed down the phone.

10. Yesterday I bought a Powerball ticket.

Prepositional Phrase Practice

Underline the prepositional phrases (all of them) in the following sentences. Then, place a comma where necessary.

1. Over the weekend the student studied for the final exam by taking practice tests.

2. Before she came to dinner she went over her paper with extreme caution.

3. Without reservations I recommended Amanda for the scholarship.

4. To many people the new rule seemed without merit.

5. Above the car the bird carefully aimed his tail with malice.

6. Underneath her tough exterior she had a heart of gold.

7. During the movie several cell phones went off from the back row.

8. Amid the noise and confusion she was able to find her son behind the tree.

9. Since no one wanted to volunteer the teacher picket a random student from across the aisle.

10. As long as she tries her best the teacher will help her with tutoring.

11. Toward the mountain the trees became thicker.

12. Off of the highway the speed limit was reduced to 35 mile per hour.

13. Inside the house the smell of baking pumpkin pie filtered into the dining room.

14. On Friday, October 31 the trick-or-treating begins at five.

15. Except for five students everyone owed Mr. Thompson make-up time.

Conjunction Practice

Please underline all coordinating conjunctions. When both sides of the conjunction are complete sentences, add a comma.

1. She hoped to go to the mall but her mom couldn’t get home in time.

2. We liked the new teacher yet missed Mrs. Rahn.

3. He loved her yet he couldn’t marry her.

4. We can go to the movies or go to the mall.

5. We will either run our errands now or after breakfast.

6. The teacher was worried so she called the principal.

7. They needed to pick up diapers and formula.

8. Santa wanted to leave Lori a present but she had been naughty.

9. I wanted a Coke but the machine was out.

10. He wanted to run to the store and the park.

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