Grammar in Action

CommasIntroductory Adverb

Noun of Direct AddressNonessential Appositive

Commas

• When writers use introductory parenthetical expressions, and nonessential material, they set them off with commas. The following examples illustrate the role of the comma in setting off such added elements.

Commas – Introductory Adverb

• Slowly, they picked up their scattered belongings.

Noun of Direct Address

• Bob, will you come with us?

• Please take me home, Anne.

• Meredith, join our group.

• Before I forget, Jane, let me have your cell phone number.

Nonessential Appositive

• George, the great liar, told us the story.

• Mr. McCarthy, the soccer coach, gave me a ride home.

• Sister Kathleen, our principal, celebrated her Jubilee on Sunday.

• Then Enkidu, the faithful companion, pleaded answering him…

Student Activity #1 After Reading

• Find two instances where the author Sandars uses a comma to set off nouns of direct address. Explain in your notebook how in each case this use of the comma adds drama to the epic.

Student Activity #2

• Invent your own heroic epithets for Gilgamesh, Shamash, and Humbaba.

• Use these phrases as nonessential appositives in a description of Gilgamesh’s battle with Humbaba.