Commas
Learning Goals
Understand the correct uses of the comma.
Apply this understanding to own writing.
Understand the correct uses of the comma.
Apply this understanding to own writing.
Commas are the most INCORRECTLY overused punctuation. There are specific uses for the comma and these uses cannot be described under the umbrella definiton of "for breaks" - it's a little more complicated than that. The following is a list of the ONLY ways commas can be used:
- To separate three or more items in a series.
Example: We were treated to eggs, ham, pancakes, and juice for breakfast.
- Before the conjunction in a compound (2 independent clauses) sentence.
Example: I bought an ipod, and we listened to rock music all day.
- Between clauses in complex (1 or more independent & 1 subordinate clause) sentences if the subordinate clause comes first.
Example: While I unload the dishwasher, you make breakfast.
- To set off non-essential information, including non-restrictive elelments:
Example: My grandparents, who were from Italy, emigrated in 1947.
Of course, I will want a second opinion.
- Between the day and the year, and between a city and a province, state, or country. Note that a comma is also needed after the year.
Example: I was born on October 15, 1986, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- To set off a direct quotation. However, do not use a comma to set off an indirect quotation.
Example: The minister promised, "I will not raise taxes."
No comma: The ministed promised he would not raise taxes.
Activity 1: Let's Get Real
Discussion: What mistakes do you make with the comma? Where do you need the most help in your own writing after having considerd the above rules.
Activity 2: Practice
Write the following sentences in your notebooks, adding commas in the appropriate places:
1. If I told you all the thing I have seen in my life you would probably not believe me.
2. The driving instruction who had nerves of steel looked pale after my first road lesson.
3. Jumbo a famous circus elephant died on September 15 1885 near St. Thomas Ontario.
4. When the scandal broke Kathleen predicted that it would bring down the city council.
Extra Study Help:
Try your luck on the following comma quiz http://www.ghc.edu/faculty/winsor/grammar/unit4/u4quiz.htm
- To separate three or more items in a series.
Example: We were treated to eggs, ham, pancakes, and juice for breakfast.
- Before the conjunction in a compound (2 independent clauses) sentence.
Example: I bought an ipod, and we listened to rock music all day.
- Between clauses in complex (1 or more independent & 1 subordinate clause) sentences if the subordinate clause comes first.
Example: While I unload the dishwasher, you make breakfast.
- To set off non-essential information, including non-restrictive elelments:
Example: My grandparents, who were from Italy, emigrated in 1947.
Of course, I will want a second opinion.
- Between the day and the year, and between a city and a province, state, or country. Note that a comma is also needed after the year.
Example: I was born on October 15, 1986, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- To set off a direct quotation. However, do not use a comma to set off an indirect quotation.
Example: The minister promised, "I will not raise taxes."
No comma: The ministed promised he would not raise taxes.
Activity 1: Let's Get Real
Discussion: What mistakes do you make with the comma? Where do you need the most help in your own writing after having considerd the above rules.
Activity 2: Practice
Write the following sentences in your notebooks, adding commas in the appropriate places:
1. If I told you all the thing I have seen in my life you would probably not believe me.
2. The driving instruction who had nerves of steel looked pale after my first road lesson.
3. Jumbo a famous circus elephant died on September 15 1885 near St. Thomas Ontario.
4. When the scandal broke Kathleen predicted that it would bring down the city council.
Extra Study Help:
Try your luck on the following comma quiz http://www.ghc.edu/faculty/winsor/grammar/unit4/u4quiz.htm
Sources:
"Commas are a matter of life or death! A story from Professor Puppet - YouTube ." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaaCKqddcJs&feature=related>.
Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.
"Commas are a matter of life or death! A story from Professor Puppet - YouTube ." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaaCKqddcJs&feature=related>.
Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.
