Comma Sense AGENDA Why are commas important Items

“Comma Sense” AGENDA • Why are commas important? • Items in a series and Practice • Interrupters and Practice • Conventional uses of commas

Why are commas important? Commas can help make the meaning of sentences clearer. In general, commas help separate or set apart elements in a sentence. Too many commas can clutter the sentence and may confuse readers. Problem: Unnecessary commas My friend, Jessica, said she would feed my cat, and my dog while I’m away, but now, she tells me, she will be too busy.

Why are commas important? Missing commas may also confuse readers. Problem: Missing commas The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha and Julie. Without commas, it is unclear how many friends are invited. Is this Ruth or Ruth Ann? Is this Jerry or Jerry Lee?

Why are commas important? Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear by separating the names in the list. The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann, Jerry Lee, Derrick, Martha, and Julie. Ruth Ann , Jerry Lee , Derrick , Martha , Julie

Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series. Words in a series All my cousins, aunts, and uncles came to our family reunion. Phrases in a series The children played in the yard, at the playground, and by the pond.

Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series. Clauses in a series Those who had flown to the reunion, who had driven many miles, or who had even taken time off from their jobs were glad that they had made the effort to be there.

Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series. Short independent clauses The engine roared, the wheels spun, and a cloud of dust swirled behind the sports car. Two or more adjectives preceding a noun Are you going to that hot, crowded, noisy mall?

Items in a series On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. 1. The loud annoying alarm woke us just before dawn. 2. Robert Browning says that youth is good that middle age is better and that old age is best. 3. Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program.

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Nonessential clauses or phrases Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school.

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Nonessential phrases: Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle. Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress, stars in the movie I rented.

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Direct address Linda, please read the poem aloud. I like the image of the birds in flight, Mr. Ryan. Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.

Interrupters Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence. Parenthetical expressions Of course, I am glad that he called me about the extra movie tickets. She is, in fact, a dentist. You should try out for quarterback, in my opinion.

Interrupters On Your Own Add commas where needed in the following sentences. 1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first place in the car show. 2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful one in the exhibit. 3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?

Conventional uses of commas Use commas in certain conventional situations, such as dates, addresses, salutations and closings in letters, and certain titles and names. Separate items in dates and addresses After Friday, November 23, 2012, address all orders to Emeryville, CA 94608.

Conventional uses of commas Use commas in certain conventional situations. After the salutation of a personal letter Dear Dr. Epps, My dear Anna, After the closing of any letter Sincerely, Yours very truly,

Conventional uses of commas Use commas in certain conventional situations. Abbreviations, such as Jr. , Sr. , or M. D. when they follow persons’ names. Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr. Carol Ferrara, M. D. , is our family doctor.