Commas – A Digital Unit

English IComma Unit

Introduction You will be using this PowerPoint to

enter the digital world of commas. Read each slide carefully. Complete the examples you are given, and record any information that you might find helpful on your comma note sheet. Click on the arrows to advance to the next slide!

*Be sure to take notes!*

What to Expect? During this digital unit, you can

expect to read a good bit of information about various types of commas. You can also expect to encounter many practice activities that will help reinforce your learning. Be prepared to take a final test on all of the information presented here!

Let’s Begin!!!

Don’t forget to take notes!

Part I: Back to Basics! The following slides will present some

basic comma information. Much of the following should be a review. But it is still important to read through and take notes! We will cover the areas of: Back to Basics

The Comma Phrases and Clauses Independent Clauses Compound Sentences

What is a Comma? A comma is a

punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence.

Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader.

The Terminology! A clause is a

group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. Examples will

follow!

A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other. She bought some

peaches when she went to the corner store.

Independent Clauses

S V The Couple

Dances. S V

The boy laughed. S V

The dog barked. S V

The girl sang.

A complete sentence has two components, a Subject and a Verb.

The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause.

An independent clause is a single, complete sentence with one single thought.

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Compound Sentences

A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. (Two complete sentences joined by a comma AND coordinating conjunction).

A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence.

Conjunctions for and nor but or yet soFAN BOYS

2

Commas in Compound Sentences

The comma in a compound sentence is placed

before the coordinating conjunction.

Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog.

Mr. Raitano said to complete the comma unit, but the students played on the

internet.

Bill bought the ingredients, so Leah baked the

cake.

Compound Sentences: Exercise 1

Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide.

1. Dan struggled with his homework so his father helped him.

2. The test was important and he failed miserably.

3. The girl did not go home nor did she go to the game.

Part II: Moving on Up! The following slides will present some

more advanced comma information. Much of the following should still be a review. Be sure to take notes on anything that you think will be helpful: Moving on Up!

Dependent Clauses Introductory Clauses Essential Phrases and Clauses Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Sorry, no Santa Clauses

Dependent Clause A dependent clause

contains a subject and a verb, but the clause is NOT a complete sentence! It cannot stand alone.

Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers.

Some dependent clause markers:

because though

since although

when unless

while after

until before

if once

aswhether

3

Dependent Phrases and Clauses

Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause.

Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

DEPENDENT CLAUSES ARE NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES! THEY CANNOT STAND ALONE!

Dependent Clauses serving as Introductory

Clauses.

When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause.

The following rules apply when using a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. This is often referred to as an introductory

clause.

EXAMPLE: When Mary called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue. Independent Clause

Dependent Clauses serving as Introductory

Clauses.During the game, the boy ate the pizza.As the rain fell, the sky turned darker and darker.Since the girls won, the boys had to wear dresses to school.Though we lost, the coach still took us out for ice cream.Before we left home, we all went to the bathroom.Unless you take the quiz, you are going to fail for the nine weeks. NOTE:

When dependent clauses come at the

beginning of the sentence, you MUST use a comma before

moving to the independent clause.

Dependent/Introductory ClauseIndependent Clause

Notice the independent clause is a COMPLETE

SENTENCE. It CAN stand alone!

Dependent/Introductory Clause Practice!

Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. Be sure to review dependent clauses if you are struggling.

1. Once we had arrived we were greeted like royalty.2. During the movie we ate all of the popcorn.3. Though he was the new kid he already had a great

deal of friends.4. Before he could speak his mother was already

scolding him.5. Until he told the truth the judge was going to keep

him locked up.

Dependent Clauses at the END of a sentence!

When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place

a comma between the two.

I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me.Dependent ClauseIndependent

ClauseNO COMMA

Complete Sentence Not a Complete Sentence

I became very sick when the roller coaster did circles.Dependent ClauseIndependent

ClauseNO COMMA

Complete Sentence Not a Complete Sentence

Dependent Clauses at the END of a sentence!

He was winning the race until he fell down.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

I stole the bike, because my friend told me to.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

I ran all the way home since I was being chased.CORRECT - INCORRECT

The girl couldn’t believe he agreed, after everything that had happened.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

Essential Phrases and Clauses

An essential clause or phrase is used to modify a noun.

It also adds information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence.

Essential clauses are NOT set off by commas.

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Essential Phrases and Clauses

The people who frequent my gym are so uptight!Essential

phrase If you remove the essential phrase, “who frequent my gym,” the sentence no longer makes complete sense. Try it!

The sentence, “The people are so uptight!” is too vague. It forces the reader to ask the question, “Which people?”

Remember: You DO NOT use commas with essential phrases!

Essential Phrases and Clauses

The teacher who I had last year was much nicer than this one!Essential

Phrase HINT: The word

THAT or WHO THAT or WHO is almost always an indicator of an essential phrase or clause!

Again, notice that there are no commas used to set off the essential phrase!

Essential Clause and Phrase Practice!

The computer, that was stolen, was found in the dumpster.CORRECT - INCORRECT

The boy, who won the race, did not fall down.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

The girl, who was being chased, ran all the way home.CORRECT - INCORRECT

The teacher who was recently hired is my new favorite teacher!

CORRECT - INCORRECT

Nonessential Phrases and Clauses

A nonessential phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence.

This information can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence.

5

Nonessential Phrases and Clauses

My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a

party! Non-essential

Even without the phrase the sentence still makes sense:

My brother plans to throw a party!

Always place commas around nonessential phrases and clauses.

COMMA COMMA

Hint: Even if you remove the

nonessential phrase from the sentence, the main idea of the sentence

has not changed!

Nonessential Phrases and Clauses

Steve said that we would see the movie on Valentine’s Day, which is my favorite holiday! Non-

Essential

For this example, it is not important for us to know that Valentine’s day is this person’s favorite holiday. It is non-essential information.

It is only important that we know that Steve is taking her to see the movie on Valentine’s Day. Remove the end to test this.

Notice the sentence still gives the same important information if the end is removed. “Steve said that we would see the movie on Valentine’s Day.”

Non-Essential Clause and Phrase Practice!

The book, which was my favorite, was turned into a movie.CORRECT - INCORRECT

The car which was blue was stolen last night.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

The movie, which I really liked, received horrible reviews. CORRECT - INCORRECT

The boy, who was new to school, has lots of friends.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

Part III: To Infinity and Beyond!!

We are now going to take a look at some other places where commas need to go. These comma errors are just as common as the others, but they are not studied as much. Let’s blast off to a new world of comma usage: To Infinity and Beyond!

Interjection Direct Address Tag Question Contrasting Elements

The Interjection

When an interjection is used at the beginning of the sentence, follow it with a comma:

Wow, love is heavenly!

Ouch, love is cruel!

Hey, come here!

Whoa, did you see that?

Yay, that was fun!

6

A Direct Address

Direct Address: To call a person or group of people to attention by using his or her name.

Use a comma to set off words used in direct address.

Class, where would you put the comma in this sentence?

Mr Raitano, we love to learn about commas!

The speaker is directly addressing the class!

The speaker is directly addressing Mr. Raitano

7

A Direct Address

Bill went to the store.

Bill came when he was called.

Bill, get to the store!

Bill, come over here!

Not a direct address!

DIRECT ADDRESS!

No Comma!

No Comma!

Comma after the direct address!

Comma after the direct address!

Tag Question

Mother: My daughter is a good student, isn’t she?

Mr. Raitano: I think so, don’t you?

Use a comma BEFORE a tag

question!

Tag question: a statement followed by

a mini-question that asks for confirmation.

Comma

Comma

Tag Question!

Tag Question!

7

Contrasting Elements

Marty, unlike some other students in the study hall,

did

not use the time to study and failed the comma test.

Use a comma to separate contrasting

elements.

Contrasting Elements will compare two items (or

elements) and then draw some sort of conclusion.

Contrasting Element – We are comparing or contrasting Marty to the other students in his

study hall.

COMMA COMMA

Contrasting Elements

The boy, unlike the dog, came when he was called.

Contrasting element

You are contrasting that boy listens better than the dog!

The bad guys, not the

good ones, won this round.

You are contrasting bad guys and good guys.

Contrasting element

ALWAYS use commas to set off the contrasting elements!

Mixed Bag Practice 1Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be

attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide.

1. Whoa did you just see that?

2. Fifth period turn to page 22.

3. I think she would be willing to go out of her way for us don’t you?

4. Hey can you come over here for a second?

5. Mr. Johnson can you repeat that part of the lecture?

6. He wouldn’t dare try to come in here would he?

Contrasting Elements Practice 2!

The yellow car unlike the red car finished in first place.CORRECT - INCORRECT

The house on the left, not on the right, was broken into. CORRECT - INCORRECT

The book not the movie was so much better. CORRECT - INCORRECT

The girls, unlike the boys weren't afraid to get dirty.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

Part IV: To Be or Not to Be (a comma error)

The next set of comma rules are fairly common and you should be familiar with them. These examples are mistakes that are often made the most. Some will be old, and some will be new, but we need to know if the comma should be there, or if it should not be there.

To Be or Not to Be! Commas in a Series Commas with Adjectives Dates and Addresses Letter or Email

Commas in a Series

Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list.

The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion.

The comma before the conjunction is required.

8

Look at the following sentences. Notice

where the commas are!

Commas in a Series

1. Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed.

2. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess, she kissed a frog, and she rescued her prince.

Commas should be placed in a series of words, phrases, or clauses.

The commas separate

the items in

the series!

Sentence Structure:Commas in a Series

Consider the difference in the following:

Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim.

How many girls did Alex date?

Notice how important correct comma usage is in the statements to the right. It can be very confusing to the reader if commas are used improperly, or not used at all.

Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim.

Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim.

Commas with adjectives Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an

equal description of a noun.big blue house three hungry kittens a cranky, mean manThe big and blue house (um no) The blue big house

(um no)The three and hungry kittens (no) The hungry three

kittens (eh)The cranky and mean man (YES) The mean, cranky man

(YES)

THE TEST:~Can you put “and” between the adjectives?

~Can they be described in reverse order?IF YES – USE A COMMA!

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Dates and Addresses

DATES: Use a comma between the date and the year when writing the date:

January 1, 2009 October 31, 2008 August 25, 1983

CITY,STATE: Use a comma between the city and state in an address.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Atlanta, Georgia

TOGETHER: Use a comma to separate items in dates and addresses when writing them in a sentence. Also, place a comma after the street name and before the city.

Come to 123 Comma Lane, Pittsburgh, PA. on Monday, December 3. COMMA COMMA COMMA

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Friendly Letter (Email)

Use a comma after the

salutation of a friendly letter

or email.

Salutation: A word or

phrase of greeting used

to begin a letter or

email.

Dear Mr. Raitano,

To Mrs. Knox,

COMMA

Use a comma at the closing of

a friendly letter or

email.

Closing: A word or phrase that

ends a friendly letter

or an email.

Sincerely, Mr. Holliday

With my deepest regards, Mr. McCann

Cordially yours, Mr. Miles

COMMA

COMMA

COMMA

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To Be, Or Not to Be! Practice…

I really wanted to buy the pink shoes, the yellow hat, the orange gloves and the green socks.

CORRECT - INCORRECTHe had to speak to the strange, smelly old man.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

The party was being held at 307 Writing Lab Way, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on Monday, November 11.CORRECT - INCORRECT

Dear Mom, Thanks for everything! With Love, Leah.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

Part V: Splice Up Your Life!

You have now made it to the homestretch. You are down to the very last rule of this Digital Comma Unit. This final comma rule is probably one you have not heard about previously. It is the comma splice. Many people made this exact error in their narrative assignment. Pay close attention and close this Digital Unit out with a bang!

Splice Up Your Life! The Comma Splice

The Comma Splice

A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses (or complete sentences) are joined by a comma.

We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon.

The Internet has revolutionized the business world,

online sales have increased dramatically this year.

Independent Clause

Independent Clause

Independent Clause

Independent Clause

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To Correct a Comma Splice Insert a conjunction between the two independent

clauses. Start a new sentence. Insert a semi-colon between the two independent

clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic).

•We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon.•We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon.

•The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year.

ALMOST FINISHED!!

Comma Splice??Language Arts is my best subject, I am sure I will get an A.

Is this right? Let’s find out!

Language Arts is my best subject,

This is an independent clause or a complete sentence!

I am sure I will get an A. This is also

an independent clause or a complete sentence!

A comma splice is an error in which

two independent clauses

(or complete

sentences) are joined

by a comma.

Survey says? It’s a comma

splice!!

Comma Splice Practice…

I bought the red jeep, the one with the fluffy interior!

CORRECT - INCORRECT

I took the test, and I earned an A.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

I had to run all the way home, I was being chased.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

The teacher collected it yesterday, I didn’t turn it in.

CORRECT - INCORRECT

You’ve Done it!

You have successfully completed your two day Digital Comma unit. You have taken in a great deal of information in the past two days. Be sure to study your notes for your comma test.

Compound Sentences 1

Pick A

gain!

Compound Sentences 1

GO YOU!

Dependent/Introductory 1

Pick A

gain!

Dependent/Introductory 1

GO YOU!

Dependent Clause 1

Pick A

gain!

Dependent Clause 1

GO YOU!

Essential Phrase 1

Pick A

gain!

Essential Phrase 1

GO YOU!

Non-Essential Phrase 1

Pick A

gain!

Non-Essential Phrase 1

GO YOU!

Mixed Bag 1

Pick A

gain!

Mixed Bag 1

GO YOU!

Contrasting Elements 1

Pick A

gain!

Contrasting Elements 1

GO YOU!

To Be, or Not to Be 1

Pick A

gain!

To Be, or Not to Be 1

GO YOU!

Comma Splice 1

Pick A

gain!

Comma Splice 1

GO YOU!

So Ends Day 1 of Commas!

Tiring huh??

You can use this time to review or end the

show.

I recommend reviewing your information. If you decide you are finished, you will be given

comma worksheets to complete!