Commas Punctuation does matter QCLAM is a mnemonic

Commas Punctuation does matter!

QCLAM is a mnemonic for when to use commas. n n n Quotes Clauses Lists Adjectives Modifiers

Use Commas with Direct Quotations and Titles. n n In the short story “The Veldt, ” Ray Bradbury warns us about the dangers of technology. In the short story “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury, he warns us about the dangers of technology.

Use commas to connect two complete sentences (independents Clauses) joined by a conjunction. n n Fred walked to school, and Kate took the bus. Fred walked to school. Kate took the bus. Both sentences can stand by themselves.

When you do not have two complete sentences (independent Clause with a dependent Clause), no comma. n n n Fred walked to school and went to his class. Fred walked to school. This can stand by itself. Went to his class. This cannot stand by itself.

Use a comma after certain introductory elements (dependent Clauses). n n On my way home from work, I got attacked by a turkey. Frightened by the noise, my cat leapt off the table. When I sneeze, my bird mimics me. Although the hamster is cute, it is evil.

Use commas to set off nonessential Clauses, phrases, and interrupters (extra information) n n n Alice, who really likes Mike, asked John to the dance. The girl who really likes Mike asked John to the dance. I think, by the way, that you are being rude.

Use a comma to separate items in a series (Lists). n n I bought eggs, lettuce, and cat food. I must go to work, take my cat to practice, and make dinner.

Use a comma to separate two Adjectives (Modifiers). n The shy, quiet girl cried. n The evil, slimy monster ate her.

Test One n n n There are two tests to try if you are confused. Test One: Change the comma to “and”. If it sounds right, then use a comma. The beautiful, playful kittens frolicked in the fields. The beautiful and playful kittens frolicked in the fields. Several beautiful kittens frolicked. Several and beautiful kittens frolicked.

Test Two n n n Test Two: Try reversing the order of the adjectives. If it sounds correct, use a comma. The beautiful, playful kittens frolicked in the fields. The playful, beautiful kittens frolicked in the fields. Several beautiful kittens frolicked. Beautiful several kittens frolicked.

Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses n On May 4, 2000, I changed my address to 645 Commerce Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.

TRY IT OUT! n n n I wanted to go out but Tom wanted to stay home. I wanted to go out and see the game. He will wake up early go jogging and make breakfast. The beautiful charming princess married the ugly empty prince. “We’re going fishing” said the boy.

Answers n n n I wanted to go out, but Tom wanted to stay home. I wanted to go out and see the game. He will wake up early, go jogging, and make breakfast. The beautiful, charming princess married the ugly, empty prince. “We’re going fishing, ” said the boy.

Try It Out n n n After the long engagement the couple was finally married. The girl who phoned you is the murderer! Cindy Loo who used to sit next to me in first grade is now married. The problem as a matter of fact is you! In conclusion I believe the school should adopt blocked scheduling.

Answers n n n After the long engagement, the couple was finally married. The girl who phoned you is the murderer. Cindy Loo, who used to sit next to me in first grade, is now married. The problem, as a matter of fact, is you. In conclusion, I believe the school should adopt blocked scheduling.