Grammar #8—Commas



Grammar #8—Commas

The following are rules for using commas correctly in your writing.

1. Use a comma after every item in a series.

Example: For breakfast we had ham, eggs, toast, and juice.

2. Use commas after any introductory elements that precede the main clause.

(Subordinate clause) Since we were late, the party had already started.

(Adverb) Quickly, he ran to protect the women from the assailant.

First, describe the place you would like to be after graduation.

(Noun of direct address) John, did you happen to see my purse?

(Interjection) Wow, did you see that home run?

(Past Participial) Tired from the trip, she rested for two hours.

(Present Participial) Sweating from the exercise, Matt lifted all the bricks.

(TWO or more prepositional phrases) In the morning before the sunrise, she sat quietly reading the morning newspaper.

(Absolute phrase) The day being warm, we headed for the beach.

(Infinitive phrase) To write well, the student must plan essay structure prior to writing.

3. Use commas before and after any elements which interrupt the main clause.

(Appositive) Mr. Jones, out next-door neighbor, used to be an Olympic

swimmer.

(Parenthetical expression) The weather, as you can see, is beautiful.

(Non-restrictive clause) Whitehall Road, which runs past my home, is being

paved.

Alicia Alvarez, my professor, has won the award.

(Examples) Jan enjoys all crafts, especially stained glass.

On weekends we offer several courses, such as Biology and Music, for nontraditional students.

4. Use commas for any elements which are tacked on after the main clause.

Example: Did you see where my razor went, Mary?

5. Use commas between coordinate (equal) adjectives that modify the same noun.

Example: The persistent, creative artist painted a picture before daybreak.

6. Use commas to separate date and address elements.

Examples: I was born on August 5, 1972, in San Diego, California.

He lived in Dallas, Texas, when he was a boy.

My address is 5243 Cholla Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85203.

**Note: A comma follows the year of the date and state when they fall in the middle of the sentence.

7. Use commas to separate names from a title or abbreviation.

Example: David Case, Ph.D., is joining Jennings, Inc., based in his home town.

8. Use commas with coordinating conjunctions to connect two independent clauses to form a compound sentence. (Coordinating conjunctions: so, but, for, yet, and, or, nor)

Examples: Jenny enjoys tennis, but John prefers golf.

Jill knows chocolate contributes to her weight, but she continues to eat it.

9. Use commas to separate the quote from the speaker.

Examples: Jean exclaimed, “What a beautiful sunset.”

“Let’s play tennis,” suggested Mark,” and then we can go biking.”

“The washing machine is broken,” reported Mark.

10. Use a comma to separate words or phrases that might mistakenly be joined when read and to indicate the words left out of parallel word groups.

Examples:

In brief, speeches should be short and attract the attention of the audience.

Franklin Roosevelt was elected President four times; Ronald Reagan, twice.

Name________________

Date________________

Grammar #8—Comma Practice

Directions: Place all necessary commas in the following sentences.

1. Brimming with enthusiasm Chas decided to go for the touchdown.

2. Inside the door by the fridge you will find the car keys.

3. First it is important to plan your vacation.

4. Yippee it’s almost Friday.

5. Mary where is your assignment.

6. Filled with excitement Bob decided to save for his trip to Europe.

7. Bring four cans of pop a sack of potato chips and a jar of pickles.

8. To keep the system running properly place lubricant in the joints once a week.

9. Willing to go the extra mile John decided to study an extra half hour each night.

10. As you leave after the dance please lock up.

11. Her poll ratings slipping Mayor Green pondered her future.

12. My father who is president of his company is an avid golfer.

13. I love water sports especially jet skiing.

14. The school which is located on Park Avenue will be torn down next year.

15. He excels at several subjects such as math physics and geography.

16. Mr. Jones our favorite mechanic says the repairs will be inexpensive.

17. Kristin applied a blue shiny glaze to the ceramic pot.

18. Our neighbor did you know was an Olympic champion?

19. Bev was born on October 6 1979 in Dayton Ohio.

20. John Hall Jr. was elected to the board of directors for Whiting Inc.

21. My professor Jackson Eldridge Ph. D. won a fellowship to Harvard.

22. We plan to visit France and then we’ll sightsee in Switzerland.

23. Sylvester Tyler president-elect will serve as chairman of the committee.

24. He lives as 556 East Clarendon Mesa Arizona right next to Osco’s.

25. The store was closing so we had to leave without purchasing the item.

26. Rich said “Take the expressway to the third exit.”

27. “Run quickly” screamed John “before the passageway is blocked!”

28. “Complete problems four through twenty” instructed the teacher.

29. On the river boats drifted lazily with the current.

30. Christine wanted eight dollars; Terry twelve for the ceramic picture frame.

31. “John do you want to leave now or shall we wait until later” queried Mary.

32. Mr. Haverton a family friend will advise about purchasing the Pentium III.

33. Barry was born in San Diego California on October 5 1975.

34. Filled with excitement Mary waited to hear a reply from Harvard her father’s alma mater.

35. While most students don’t enjoy school Bill is an avid student who digs in can you believe with major relish when assigned essays.

36. Susan Aster M.D. has an office at 55 E. Main St. Mesa Arizona.

37. Before my next song I’d like to say a few words about the lyricist Ira Gershwin.

38. Silently the burglar crept through the home rummaged through belongings and ripped off all the family’s stereo equipment their greatest pride and joy.

39. Near Power by the side of the road a tiny blond boy sat crying.

40. “No I don’t want the see the Princess Bride one more time Tim!”

41. Although she felt stronger the doctor an eminent expert in endocrinology concluded she must stay in the hospital longer.

42. Having discussed the matter for hours Student Council decided to hold the prom on Saturday April 30 2010 in the gymnasium.

43. “Gee I can’t believe I forgot my homework but I promise to bring it tomorrow Ms. Miller.”

44. “Mom if you can remember” asked Susie “would you please pick me up after school?”

45. Rushing to answer the phone Lana tripped over the cord fell on her face and broke her nose.

46. Nearly blinded by the icy freezing sleet the climbers returned to home base.

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