Comma tip 1 commas with introductory elements comma tip 2 commas with interrupters comma tip 3 commas with concluding elements. I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie, last night. The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. Without commas, a reader would often have to go back and reread a sentence to understand what the writer meant. Comma exercises using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause. Commas and semicolons in the space provided, write c if the sentence is correctly punctuated, and correct other sentences with a comma or a semicolon. Sentencessentence combining, punctuation, comma rules, comma rules information, comma rules videos, comma rules exercises, grammar mugs resources college of arts and sciences aslogo240. A comma is needed between independent clauses when they are joined by the words and, or, for, nor, so, but, or yet. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks. The comma has inspired not only reams of writing but also ongoing feuds between grammarians.
On december 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of sitting bull. In the quiz, you will be tested on comma rules and conjunctions. A comma is used to structure a sentence and helps the reader understand the meaning of the sentence. Keep in mind that items can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete. The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas.
There are some general rules which you can apply when using the comma. Comma free handout and activity by presto plans tpt. Between two full sentences independent clauses when two standalone sentences are joined by a comma, the result is known as a comma splice. Which of these sentences has both commas in the right places. Comma rules use commas to separate three or more items in a list.
This download includes both pdf and powerpoint versions. Before going to the store julie thought she would eat a snack. Mustknow comma rules there are four basic situations in which youll need to use a comma. Use commas to separate items in a series a if all items in a series are joined by and or or, do not use commas to separate them. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Clauses which are essential are called restrictive.
In some sentences, other punctuation like an exclamation point is acceptable. A comma should follow an interjection like oh at the beginning of a sentence. A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2 independent clauses. Sarah, his girlfriend of three years, walked out on him after his facebook addiction became too difficult to handle. The commas go around the extra bit of information that the sentence would make sense without. She put down the phone, picked up her keys, and left. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause incomplete thought from an independent clause complete thought. The commas go around the extra bit of information that the. Noottee usage of a comma to separate the second to last from the last item is optional. Help your middle and high school students understand basic comma rules with this fun, modern activity. Use commas to set of an interruption in the flow of the sentence. An appositive is a word or phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun in the same sentence. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause. Use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
A comma is needed to separate a word or phrase from the rest of the sentence when it is not essential to the meaning. Of course there are rules for when to use a comma and when it is not necessary to use one. Add commas to the following sentences where needed. For the thanksgiving reunion, relatives were sitting in the dining room, on the porch, and in the carport. I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night. When the adjectives are reversed, the sentence still makes sense.
We are having peas and carrots roast beef and cake for dinner. Familiarize yourself with the following comma rules. Sort independent clauses are sometimes separated by commas. Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics, it was initially developed to explain atoms. Usage basic punctuation rules utah valley state college writing center quotation marks quotation marks are used to show the beginning and end of a quotation or a title of a short work. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. In this example, a comma belongs between happy and lively because they are coordinate adjectives. They tell readers to pause between words or groups of words, and they help clarify the meanings of sentences. The following sentences either have existing or require additional commas somewhere in their structures. If comma usage is one of the banes of your writing existence, then this handout is for you. Exxaammppllee i need to buy eggs milk lettuce and bread. It was as though brielle knew she would meet chris for the first time that day for she wore her favorite sweater and perfume. The comma goes between the items in your list, but not before and.
They tell readers to pause between words or groups of. Comma used to set off an expression or an added note from the author that interrupts a sentence. Improve your language arts knowledge with free questions in commas. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct comma placement. Often, the appositive provides additional information about the noun or helps to distinguish it in some way. Which of these sentences has the comma in the right place. Information recall recall the different rules and uses for commas additional learning whether you struggled with this quiz or you aced it, our lesson, comma rules. These nonessential clauses are called nonrestrictive. Rules for comma usage how can such a small symbol cause so much trouble. Subject pronouns are used when the pronoun is the subject of the sentence. I need to call sally tom brad and kelly about the party.
When a nonquotation clausephrase is inserted in the middle of a. Comma rules exercises wilmu student writing resources. Proper comma placement is essential when writing, so test your knowledge on the subject with this quiz and worksheet. Some words go together and dont need a comma between them even though they do make up a series. My three favorite foods are pasta pizza and ice cream. The file has been saved as pngs and inserted into a powerpoint so that you can save particular pages as you wish, upload them to a secured, passwordprotected onlin.
If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Advanced comma rules the comma is an important organizational tool for the writer that ultimately helps the reader. A comma in the middle of an infinitive c is incorrect. Both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses may begin with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, that, which. Comma rules the following are the most common usages of the comma in the english language. Having been told of the test john wondered when he would study.
Comma used after a word such as well, yes, no, however, or why when it begins a sentence. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet to join two independent clauses that form a compound sentence. Mary came home from work early she had been feeling ill all morning. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution the trial court found the essential elements of the crime. Commas quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. On the back of this sheet write three sentences for each of the following tasks. Although we are often taught that commas are used to help us add breathing spaces to sentences they are, in fact, more accurately used to. I took angie the one with the freckles, to the movie last night. Each of these words denotes a purpose for the comma. Comma rules and practice for middle school and high school remote learning.
If you spend just a little bit of time studying these punctuation rules, though, youll get a jump start to stronger grammar skills. Its no wonder that writers feel overwhelmed about comma placement. Use commas to enclose clauses not essential to the meaning of a sentence. I took angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night.
The following list contains some of the most critical punctuation rules. Rules for finding and fixing misplaced and dangling modifiers. Use commas before andor after directly addressing someone. Trooper yesler who investigated the accident testified that the primary causal factor of. Usage basic punctuation rules utah valley state college writing center correct punctuation is essential for clear and effective writing. Commas commas are used to separate parts of a sentence. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a. Use commas for lists or for a small pause or shift in a sentence examples.
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