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Commas

Comma Chameleon

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Reasons for commas1. Meaning

2. Coordinating Conjunctions

3. Introductions

4. Interruptions / Additions

5. Lists

6. Breaking up

7. Numbers

8. Quotations

9. Direct address

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Commas are so important because they change meaning.

1. The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver, paper, hats, clocks and tablecloths.

2. The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver paper, hats, clocks and tablecloths.

3. The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver, paper hats, clocks and tablecloths.

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Commas are so important because they change meaning.

1. Eats, Shoots, and Leaves

2. Eats Shoots and Leaves

3. Eats Shoots, and Leaves

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Commas

While there are many different uses for the comma, almost 85% of commas used in written English are used in only three situations.

Learn these three basic rules and you will know how to use commas over 4/5 of the time!

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http://www.schooltube.com/video/6b265f3478554fef993c/Conjunction-Junction

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Coordinating Conjunctions For And Nor But Or Yet So

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Put a comma before a coordinating conjunction that separates two independent clauses.The child agreed, but the parent objected.

Time flies when we’re having fun, and we’re always having fun.

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Put a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses.

Yes, I do need that report. To apply for this job, you must have

previous experience. This is my money, not yours.

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Use commas to set off elements that interrupt or add information in a sentence. Freddy, who has a limp, was in a car

accident. I am, as you have probably noticed, very

nervous about this. Therefore, I would appreciate a

response.

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Other Important Uses

When there is a list of words in a sentence:

We will need hammers, nails, and a saw.The street was filled with angry protesters, shouting spectators, and police.Mr. Cherry was a warm, hospitable man.

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Commas are also used to break up longer sentences into smaller parts to make more sense.When he saw the pirate ship on the

horizon, the captain sounded the alarm.

She called as loudly as she could, but no-one could hear her.

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To break up groups of numbers into thousands.

1,999,999Does anyone recognize the

number below?Our national debt!

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Inside quotation marks.

“We are leaving tomorrow,” said Manual

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Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.

- Alisha, will you help with the party?

- Yes, Doctor, I will.

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When writing a date.

They met on February 14, 2010.(However, if any part of the date is omitted, do

not use a comma.) They met in February 2010They met on February 14.

Do not use commas in inverted dates:They met on 14 February 2010.

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Let’s practice commas

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http://www.germanna.edu/tutor/handouts/english/Comma_Rules.pdf

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Jeopardy Comma Game

http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/usergames/Feb201106/game1297120685.php

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http://www.speakwrite.net/reasons_for_commas.htm

Reasons for Commas Reason 1: Items in a series         The flag is red, white, and blue.         We watched the heavy, pounding rain during the storm.   Reason 2: Between independent clauses with a conjunction         Conjunctions: and but for nor or so yet         The mayor gave a speech, and reporters asked questions.         The telephone rang several times, but no one answered it.   Reason 3: After introductory expressions         Jerry, please close the door.         After the first snowflakes, we all got excited.         Because the road were slick, Mary drove carefully.   Reason 4: Before and after interrupting expressions         Mow the lawn, Dennis, before it rains.         Cecelia put the plant, a cactus, on the table.         This is Greg Nelson, my cousin from Atlanta.   Reason 5: With dates, addresses, & the closing of a letter         Laura was born on May 29, 1980, in Canton, Ohio.         Very sincerely yours,   Reason 6: With quotations         Maria said, "This is my jacket."

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Comma Practice Insert commas where needed in the following sentences.

1.The child agreed but the parent objected.2.The child agreed. However the parent objected.3.The city must increase its tax base hence the citizens must be able to accept the additional tax burden. 4.The student moreover has not yet turned in an acceptable project.5.The birth of Norma Kelly on June 2 1974 brought the… 6.The birth of Norma Kelly in June 1974 brought the … 7.The sunlight helped the flowers to grow but they require frequent watering.8.Ronald Reagan was originally an actor he turned to politics in the 1960s. 9.We were not upset when the exam was postponed we were relieved.

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Practice Commas Quiz 1. Choose the sentence with the correct comma

placement.

A) I took Angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night.

B) I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night.

C) I took Angie the one with the freckles, to the movie last night.

D) I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie, last night.

2. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.

http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/quiz_results.asp

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Practice

A) Jeremy, and I, have had our share of arguments.

B) Jeremy and I, have had our share of arguments.

C) Jeremy and I have had our share of arguments.

D) Jeremy and I have had, our share of arguments.

3. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.

A) You are I am sure, telling the truth. B) You are, I am sure, telling the truth.

http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/quiz_results.asp

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Practice

C) You are I am sure telling, the truth.

D) You are, I am sure telling the truth.

4. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.

http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/quiz_results.asp

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Practice

A) She left Albany, New York, on January 18 of that year.

B) She left Albany, New York on January 18, of that year.

C) She left Albany New York, on January 18 of that year.

D) She left, Albany New York, on January 18 of that year.

http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/quiz_results.asp

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Practice 5. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.

A) I need, sugar, butter, and eggs from the grocery store.

B) I need sugar, butter, and eggs, from the grocery store.

C) I need sugar, butter and eggs, from the grocery store.

D) I need sugar, butter, and eggs from the grocery store.

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http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/quiz_results.asp

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