Commas in series, between independent clauses, in nonessential clauses, and after introductory elements
Commas in a series • Use commas to separate each item in a series • The items could be individual words, phrases, or clauses • WORDS: • Porter Ridge’s colors are purple, black, and, gray. • PHRASES: • This weekend I watched football, went to a pumpkin patch, and hosted a slumber party. • CLAUSES: • This summer I travelled to the beach, you travelled to Europe, and Jacob travelled to the mountains.
Now let’s try together. . . • Jeremy is good in science math and social studies. • Jessica doesn’t drink caffeine doesn’t eat red meat and doesn’t swear at all. • Julian loves to read Jackson loves to go to the movies and Jerusha loves to play sports. • Do you know which is a series of words (w), which is a series of clauses (c), and which is a series of phrases (p)? GO BACK AND LABEL ACCORDINGLY
Try on your own. . . Complete the page in your GUM book regarding commas in a series
Commas in between independent clauses • When combining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, be sure to use a commas first! • , for • , and Sheridan is smart, and Sydney is funny. • , nor • , but The room is cold, but I am hot. • , or • , yet It feels like winter, yet it is only October. • , so
Now let’s try together. . . • We picked them up early but they still missed their plane. • I hadn't seen my nieces and nephews for ages so I went overboard on buying them Christmas gifts. • Do you want to stay behind or will you come with us? • She got into trouble for she missed her curfew by two hours.
Try on your own. . . Complete the page in your GUM book regarding commas in between independent clauses.
Commas with nonessential clauses • Commas surround nonessential clauses not necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence • This portion of the sentence can be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence KEY WORDS TO LOOK FOR AT THE START OF A CLAUSE: who,whom,whose,which,that,-ing, -ed
Nonessential vs. Essential Nonessential: • Kara, who is my younger sister, lives in Mint Hill • Outback, my favorite restaurant, is in Matthews. Essential—no commas: • The runner who places first always wins. • The dog that attacked the child was put to sleep.
Now let’s try together. . . • Anthony who won the race became the first one in our class to receive a trophy. • My left ankle which I broke last winter is still too weak for track. • The teacher was annoyed when Hillary who lives right across the street from school was late. • The cats sitting in the window are called Tiger Lily and Sam. • Our City Hall which was built in 1912 is now too small.
Keep going. . . • Mahalia Jackson who grew up singing in a church choir became a famous gospel singer. • Children who get everything they want often appreciate nothing. • Anita who has no sense of humor couldn’t see what made the joke funny. • Some people don’t enjoy any game that they don’t win. • Have you heard of Lorraine Hansberry who was a famous playwright?
Try on your own. . . Complete the page in your GUM book regarding commas and nonessential clauses
Commas after introductory elements • Use a comma to set off introductory words. • Yes, I like to read. • Well, I guess you’re right. • Use a comma to set off introductory clauses. • Since I ate too much food, I ended up getting a stomach ache. • Even though I like to watch baseball, I don’t have the time to watch every game. • Use a comma to set off introductory phrases. • After the football game, be sure to come straight home. • Depending on the outcome, we will decide on whether or not we want to celebrate.
Now let’s try together. . . • Whenever it is going to rain my knees ache. • During the spring it rains often • Yes I believe it may be arthritis. • If I saw a doctor he couldn’t do anything about it. • After the storm I will feel fine
Try on your own. . . Complete the page in your GUM book regarding commas after introductory elements.
