Grammar Lesson: Sophisticated Comma Usage Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Commas
Rule 1 To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. Example: My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew. Rule 2 Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them. Examples: He is a strong, healthy man. Rule 3 Use a comma when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives. Examples: Felix was a lonely, young boy. Rule 4 Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed. Examples: Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me? Rule 5 Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt sentence flow. Example: I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this. Rule 6 Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short. Examples: I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors. Rule 7 Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines. Examples: He actually said, "I do not care." Rule 8 Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: I can go, can't I? Rule 9 Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: That is my money, not yours.

What is an adjective ?

Rule 10 Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes. Examples: Yes, I do need that report.

Grammar Lesson: Sophisticated Comma Usage Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Grammar Lesson: Sophisticated Comma Usage Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Rule 11 A comma splice is an error caused by joining two strong clauses with only a comma instead of separating the clauses with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. A runon sentence, which is incorrect, is created by joining two strong clauses without any punctuation.

Incorrect: (Comma splice) Time flies when we are having fun, we are always having fun.

Incorrect: (Run-on sentence) Time flies when we are having fun we are always having fun.

Correct: Time flies when we are having fun; we are always having fun.

Grammar Lesson: Sophisticated Comma Usage Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Comma Worksheet
Directions: Read the following sentences and insert commas in the appropriate places. Note: There may be more than one comma used in each example. 1. I read books because I love them not because I think I should read them.

2. Books are not made for furniture but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.

3. Stay gold Ponyboy stay gold.

4. But Dally heaters kill people! Ya' kill 'em with switchblades to don'tcha?

5. Will you John complete the form for me?

6. Okay greasers you've had it.

7. I always thought insanity would be a dark bitter feeling but it is drenching and delicious if you really roll around in it.

Grammar Lesson: Sophisticated Comma Usage Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

8. Ugly be a hurtful mean person.

9. After all you only have one life so you should try to make the most of it.

10. Zero wasnt worried " When you spend your whole life living in a hole" he said "the only way you can go is up.

11. Well let me tell you something Caveman.

12. You may have done some bad things but that doesn't mean you're a bad kid.