No Comma Setting Off Additions at the End of Sentences

Mr. Jackson

General Rule
Use a comma to set off additional information if its after an independent clause and the additions modify or describe the elements of the clause. AKA: Run-on, closer, cumulative sentence Example: All the other kids watched the woman as she moved along the line, her high heeled shoes sounding like firecrackers going off on the wooden floor. (Bud Not Buddy, 1) Taken From (Anderson, 96)

But What is a Cumulative Sentence

In simple terms a Cumulative Sentence is a sentence that goes as follows, Independent Clause + a number of subordinate constructions

Sentence + string of modifiers (describers)

Sentence + lens focusing zooming in on details, qualities, or attributes.

(Anderson, 22)

Hint
Most often these sentences have participial phrases in the closing description. That is a verb + ing or verb + ed. I play music, creating sweet melodies with the piano.

How Do We Craft these?

First we start with a base, independent clause or base sentence.

I am nervous.

Then we add a more concrete description of this abstract idea.

with sweating palms and shaking legs.

Then we add these together I am nervous, with sweating palms and shaking legs.

Make Sentences More Concrete With Sensory Detail

Sentence , Closer.

Graphic Taken From (Anderson, 98).

Craft Your Own

The key to developing descriptive sentences is observing. IF we focus on the details of what is going on around us we can describe things in more concrete, sensory detail.

Craft Your Own

The room is silent, chilling my bones like a cold winter night.

Your Turn

Observe the room around us focusing on things going on, and write two cumulative sentences describing this. DO NOT WRITE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.