agenda why are commas important? items in a series and practice interrupters and practice
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“Comma Sense”. AGENDA Why are commas important? Items in a series and Practice Interrupters and Practice Conventional uses of commas. Why are commas important?. Commas can help make the meaning of sentences clearer. In general, commas help separate or set apart elements in a sentence. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
AGENDA•Why are commas important?• Items in a series and Practice• Interrupters and Practice•Conventional uses of commas
“Comma Sense”
Why are commas important?
Problem: Unnecessary commasMy friend, Jessica, said she would feed my cat, and my dog while I’m away, but now, she tells me, she will be too busy.
Commas can help make the meaning of sentences clearer. In general, commas help separate or set apart elements in a sentence.Too many commas can clutter the sentence and may confuse readers.
Why are commas important?
Problem: Missing commas
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha and Julie.
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Is this Ruth or Ruth Ann?
Is this Jerry or Jerry Lee?
Without commas, it is unclear how many friends are invited.
, , , ,
Why are commas important?
Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear by separating the names in the list.
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann, Jerry Lee, Derrick, Martha, and Julie.
Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha Julie
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.Words in a series
Phrases in a series
All my cousins, aunts, and uncles came to our family reunion.
The children played in the yard, at the playground, and by the pond.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.Clauses in a seriesThose who had flown to the reunion, who had driven many miles, or who had even taken time off from their jobs were glad that they had made the effort to be there.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.Short independent clausesThe engine roared, the wheels spun, and a cloud of dust swirled behind the sports car.
Two or more adjectives preceding a nounAre you going to that hot, crowded, noisy mall?
On Your Own
Items in a series
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.1. The loud annoying alarm woke us just before
dawn.2. Robert Browning says that youth is good that
middle age is better and that old age is best.3. Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed
new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Nonessential phrases:
Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress, stars in the movie I rented.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Linda, please read the poem aloud.
Direct address
I like the image of the birds in flight, Mr. Ryan.
Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.
Parenthetical expressions
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Of course, I am glad that he called me about the extra movie tickets.
She is, in fact, a dentist.
You should try out for quarterback, in my opinion.
InterruptersOn Your OwnAdd commas where needed in the following sentences.1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first
place in the car show. 2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful
one in the exhibit. 3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations, such as dates, addresses, salutations and closings in letters, and certain titles and names.
After Friday, November 23, 2012, address all orders to Emeryville, CA 94608.
Separate items in dates and addresses
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Dear Dr. Shingles,
After the salutation of a personal letter
After the closing of any letter
My dear Anna,
Sincerely, Yours very truly,
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr.
Abbreviations, such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons’ names.
Carol Ferrara, M.D., is our family doctor.
More Review
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.1. My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more
push-ups than I can.2. Lance Martin was born June 21 2004 in Austin Texas.3. When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited
many historic landmarks. 4. She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a
festival devoted to ecology. 5. Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles
use the same road so many communities have provided bicycle lanes.