This Power Point addresses the standards presented below

This Power. Point addresses the standards presented below in a simple and straightforward way. It tackles misconceptions and explicitly explains the correct way to use commas in a sentence. Standard: L. 5. 2 5. L. 2 b. Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence. 5. L. 2 c Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e. g. , Yes, thank you), Use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence (e. g. , It’s true, isn’t it? ), Use a comma to indicate direct address (e. g. , Is that you, Steve? ).

Using Commas to separate introductory clauses from the rest of the sentence �It is important to use commas after certain introductory clauses. �Many times a sentence will have an introductory part with the rest of the sentence following after. This is called an introductory clause.

Introductory Element Examples �First we go to the store. Can you identify the introductory element? After the word first there should be a comma to separate the introductory element from the rest of the sentence.

�“First we go to the store” should be written… �“First, we go to the store. ”

Let’s try another one! Actually we harvest in June. The word “actually “is the introductory clause. Actually, we harvest in June.

Before I left I locked the door. The introductory clause in this sentence is “before I left” Before I left, I locked the door.

Jogging along her usual path Eloise was caught by surprise. �Separate the introductory clause from the rest of the sentence by using a comma. Jogging along her usual path, Eloise was caught by surprise.

Lying on the ground Roberto admired the clouds in the sky. �Lying on the ground, Roberto admired the clouds in the sky.

In the following sentences underline the introductory element. Then, add commas where necessary. �During the course of this project we will see many interesting things. �According to a recent interview that happened a few years later. �At the age of twenty-six she became a neurosurgeon. �Whenever I go to the bank I stop at my aunt’s house.

�During the course of this project, we will see many interesting things. �According to a recent interview, that happened a few years later. �At the age of twenty-six, she became a neurosurgeon. �Whenever I go to the bank, I stop at my aunt’s house.

You can also use a comma to set off the words Yes and No. �Words such as yes, no, indeed, and absolutely are called interjections. These interjections are usually included at the start of a sentence. � are used offset interjections. In. Commas the sentences belowtothe interjection is underlined. Notice how the comma follows directly after the interjection. Yes, she will apologize. No, I can’t go to the movie. Well, the snow has made it very difficult to drive in

Use a comma to set off the words Yes and No. �Think of a sentence that either uses the word Yes or the word No at the beginning of a sentence. Where does the comma needs to be located in the sentence?

Underline the interjection and include a comma when necessary. �No I have to work tonight. �Yes I can meet with you tomorrow. �Yes thank you �No I’m not busy tonight.

No, I have to work tonight. Yes, I can meet with you tomorrow. Yes, thank you No, I’m not busy tonight.

Commas and Tag Questions �You also need to use commas to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence! �But what is a tag question? �A tag question is a question that is added on to the end of a larger statement.

Example of a tag question �Below is an example of a tag question. �You are a teacher, aren’t you? �Notice where the comma is located. � It comes between the statement and the question. �In the example above the statement is “You are a teacher” and the tag question is “aren’t you? ” They are separated by a comma.

Add a comma in the correct place between the statement and the tag question. Underline the tag questio �It’s true isn’t it? �Quit that tapping will you? �Lets leave shall we? �Give me that hammer would you? �It is beautiful isn’t it? �You love it don’t you? �She didn’t say that did she?

�It’s true, isn’t it? �Quit that tapping, will you? �Lets leave, shall we? �Give me that hammer, would you? �It is beautiful, isn’t it? �You love it, don’t you? �She didn’t say that, did she?

We also need to use a comma when we address someone directly. �What does it mean to address someone directly? �Addressing someone directly simply means that you are speaking to someone. �For example: Is that you Steve? �However when addressing someone directly we need to use commas to set off the person's name or title.

�Incorrect sentence = Is that you Steve? �The sentence above is missing the comma! �Correct sentence = Is that you, Steve? �Notice how the comma comes before the name, offsetting the direct statement from the name.

More Examples �Will you be attending the party tonight, Mason? �Mr. Walker, how long have you been in the business? �Great job, Spencer! �Watch out for that giant dog, Ben! �I would really like to go swimming, Mom.

Review! �We need to use a comma to set off words from an introductory clause! �For example: If they want to win, the soccer team must practice often. �Here a comma separates the introductory clause (if they want to win) from the rest of the sentence (the soccer team must practice often).

We use a comma to set off the words Yes and No �When using the words Yes and No as introductory elements we must use a comma to set these words apart from the rest of the sentence. �Yes, thank you. �No, I do not want to go to the dentist today. �Yes, I like shopping. �The comma sets the words Yes and No apart from the rest of the sentence.

We use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence. �It’s true, Isn’t it? �I did not see him at the mall, did you? �The magic show was impressive, wasn’t it?

We also need to use a comma to set off words in a direct address. �Good job, Susie! �People, don’t make the same mistake I did. �I’m sorry, John, �You will be happy to learn, Mr. Jones, that you have won our grand prize.