Transcript Commas

“The Beauty of Commas”
Presented by
Linda, Cassandra, Amanda, and Chaseni
Commas are the hardest working
punctuation mark used in the art of
writing.
Only commas can appear more than
once in a sentence.
Commas can change the movement
of a sentence and change its
meaning.
Compound Sentences
When you have a
compound
sentence
connected by a
coordinating
conjunction, use a
comma to separate
the clauses.
Examples: and,
but, or, nor, for, so,
yet.
Example: The
concert was over,
but the crowd
refused to leave.
Modifying Adjectives
A comma is needed
between two or more
adjectives modifying
the same noun.
Hint: A comma is
needed if you can
insert the word
“and” between the
adjectives without
changing the
meaning
Example: Mary had
long, silky hair that
glistened in the
morning sun.
Listing Items
When listing a
series of items, a
comma is needed
between each of
the items.
Example: Taking
the baby with us
meant we had to
take breaks for
naps, feedings,
and diaper
changes.
Transitional Expressions
A comma is
needed to separate
transitional
expressions from
the rest of the
sentence.
Example: Waiting
in line, of course, is
the worst part of
going shopping.
Long Introductory Phrases
A comma is
needed to separate
long introductory
phrases from the
principal clause.
Example: Once
everyone arrived at
the reception, the
bride and groom
were formally
introduced as
husband and wife.
Direct Quotations
A comma is
needed to separate
a direct quotation
from a dialogue
“tag.”
Example: “I can’t
believe he did
that,” Cathy
replied, “but he
always has been a
comedian.”
Commas Set Off Words
Commas can set
off phrases or
words that rename
nouns.
Example: Lisa, my
youngest cousin,
loves to skate.
Dates, Locations, and Numbers
Use a comma to separate a city from
a state, the year from a full date, and
four or more numbers in a series.
Example: The amount due on March
31, 2006 totaled $ 35,000.00.
Disruptive Commas
Disruptive commas
are located
between
compound verbs or
the object of the
sentence. You
want to make sure
you have not
separated the
subject and the
verb.
Example: The book
sitting on the
counter is the book
I’m supposed to
pick up today.
The Importance of Commas
Commas may not
scream or ask
questions, but they
still have power. It
is the hardest
worker in the
punctuation marks
family and can
teach you a thing
or two.
Commas are so
powerful, they can
disrupt the flow and
change the
meaning of a
sentence.
Having said that, it
is time to give the
little guys their
respect.
References
http://users.wirefire.com
http://owl.english.purdue.edu
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu
http://ups.edu/cwl/commas.htm