The

5 Sentence Structures

It’s time to take some notes……..

#1 Commas in a Series • A series is a number of similar things in a row. • Commas are used between words or phrases in a series. • Ex: The cashier put the pennies, nickels, and dimes in separate

piles. • Ex: Emma put her trapper, lunch box, and homework folder in

her locker. • However! In modern writing, it is customary to NOT put the

comma after the second item. Many authors or journalists omit the second comma to save space! So sometimes, you might not see it!

• Ex: The baker made cookies, pies and cakes for the party. • Ex: He went to the store to buy milk, butter and eggs. • Rule of thumb:

“Put one less comma than the number of items in the series.” • Write your own example!

Practice! Practice! Practice!

#2 Compound Sentences • A compound sentence is made by joining two separate

sentences.

• A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses. Each sentence could stand alone!

• We use the conjunction and, but or or to combine them.

• Ex: We talked to the pilot, and we asked a question.

• Write your own example!

(F.A.N.B.O.Y.S) Common Conjunctions

Practice! Practice! Practice! Directions: Add commas where needed. Circle the commas you insert.

#3 Introductory Phrases

• Commas should be used to separate a longer phrase or clause that comes before the main part of the sentence.

• Introductory means “leading into.”

• An introductory paragraph leads into a story.

• An introductory remark leads into the speech.

• An introductory phrase or clause leads into the statement.

• Ex: On my way to school, I saw an unusual sight.

• Ex: If the weather allows, you can borrow my coat.

• Write your own example!

Once upon a time, …

More…Practice! Practice! Practice!

#4 Appositive Phrases

• Use commas to set off appositives and appositives phrases that are not necessary to the meaning of the sentences.

• An appositive is a noun or pronoun that identifies another noun or pronoun beside it.

• Ex: A gymnast, Mr. Shaw, will coach us.

• Ex: I am interested in geology, the study of earth and rocks.

• Write your own example!

A-what??

Practice! Practice! Practice!

#5 Commas for Interrupters

• We sometimes interrupt a sentence to put in one or more words for clearness or emphasis. These words are less important than the rest of the sentences, but they serve a purpose.

• Ex: The snow, however, soon melted.

• Ex: No, the Weller’s aren’t moving.

• Ex: Frank went, by the way, to Washington.

• Write your own example!

Excuse me…

Don’t forget to

study these

notes!

Don’t let them

get lost in space!