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Why are commas important?
Items in a series
Compound sentences
Interrupters
Introductory elements
Conventional uses of commas
Review A
Review B
Using Commas
Commas set apart words or groups of words within a sentence. Using commas correctly helps make your meaning clear.
Why are commas important?
George William Jo Ann Kevin and Maria are all members of the quiz team.
Without commas, it is unclear who the members of the team are.
George? or George William?
Jo? or Jo Ann?
Why are commas important?
Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear by separating the names in the list.
George William, Jo Ann, Kevin, and Maria are all members of the quiz team.
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Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series. A series is three or more items written one after another.
Words in a series
Phrases in a series
On the trail we saw chipmunks, woodpeckers, and snakes.
We drove along the highway, up the mountain, and into the woods to visit the nature center.
Please let me know when the barbecue will begin, who will be there, and when it will be over.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Two or more adjectives before a noun
The lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and the orchestra began to play.
Short independent clauses
On the doorstep she found a huge, beautiful, fragrant bouquet of flowers.
Use a clean, glass measuring cup.
On Your Own
Items in a series
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. The fluffy kitten with the brown white and black spots is my favorite.
2. For lunch we had milk tuna sandwiches and pears.
3. I searched for the book in my locker at my house and in my mother’s car.
4. At the beach we swam flew kites and built sand castles.
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The dog barked. I threw the ball.The dog barked, so I threw the ball.
Josie’s mother said she could go to the movies. Her father said she had to stay home.
I am very tired. My sister is sleepy too.
Compound sentences
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence.
I am very tired, and my sister is sleepy too.
Josie’s mother said she could go to the movies, but her father said she had to stay home.
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. The children must go to bed now or they will be tired in the morning.
2. The oak tree shaded the house but the shade kept the grass from growing.
3. Ariel sings in the choir and Heidi plays in a band.
4. Jim practiced the piano piece all month for he wanted to perform well at the recital.
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Compound sentences
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Class, please pay attention.
Words used in direct address
I would like to give my speech next, Ms. Garza.
Your eagerness, Ben, is refreshing.
Interrupters
An appositive or appositive phrase describes or identifies another noun. Use commas to set off appositives and appositive phrases when they are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.
Their dog, Chaco, is a mixed breed.
Chaco identifies the dog. It is not essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Jamaica, a popular island for tourists, is in the Caribbean Sea.
A popular island for tourists describes Jamaica.
Interrupters
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. My sister was happy to see her favorite movie Charlotte’s Web.
2. Elaine who swims well wants to become a lifeguard.
3. Juan the captain of our soccer team is ill.
4. When you go outside Kami please take out the trash.
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Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Well, have you girls finished with that mural yet?
Yes, Toni just finished painting her part.
Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or why
Introductory words such as yes and no
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Signaling for a timeout, the coach gathered her players.
Introductory participial phrases
At the conclusion of the first half, her team was trailing by four points.
Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one.
Introductory elements
To remember all the reasons to use commas, think of the word “LIES”:
LI
ES
ists of items
ntroductions
xtra information
entences put together
Bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
Yes, that is a cardinal.
Ian, of course, was late again.
I was tired, yet I stayed.
Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. In the corner of the room a night light showed the way to the door.
2. Why that’s a beautiful ring you’re wearing.
3. Because the snow cover was so thin the deer had no trouble finding food.
4. Smiling from ear to ear Monica told us the news.
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Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
A letter dated November 26, 1888, was found in the old house at 980 West Street, Davenport, Iowa, yesterday.
Separate items in dates and addresses
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Dear Grandfather,
After the salutation of a personal letter
After the closing of any letter
My dear Rosalyn,
Sincerely yours, With love,
Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. The Harvest Festival was on Friday November 16 2007.
2. The letter began “My dearest Janet How are the children?”
3. The main office in Santa Barbara California has a new fax number.
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Review A
Add commas where necessary. If a sentence is correct, write C.
_____ 1. My little brother likes to draw castles dragons and horses.
_____ 2. This mild, creamy cheese will taste good with the bread.
_____ 3. I bought a new skirt but I haven’t worn it yet.
_____ 4. Mr. Reyes who teaches science at the high school will be our guest speaker today.
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Review B
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Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
1. The squirrel ran over the lawn up the tree and onto a high branch.
2. The beaver a rodent builds dams out of sticks and mud.
3. Marching for more than an hour the scouts often lost their formation.
4. Monday October 13 2008 was my grandparents’ golden wedding anniversary.
5. My oldest sister Kate sent a postcard from Tokyo Japan.
The End
