The The commcomm

a a rules!rules!

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Commas are used after introductory words, phrases or

clauses.

Starting a sentence with introductory words, phrases

or clauses with a comma lets the reader know that

the main idea of the sentence will come later.

Use a comma to seperate introductory words, phrases or clauses from the rest of the

sentence.

Examples:

1. Yes, I will go. 2. After circling the airport for an hour, we

finally landed.3. Although John needed help, he said nothing.

Commas are used with

interrupters

Comma interrupters are used in a sentence to give additional

information about the subject.

The non essential words are enclose by commas. Including the

interrupter word/words and commas makes for a more

detailed and better sentence.

Use commas to set off words or groups of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.

Example:

1. Anne, to tell the truth, was quite happy.Anne was quite happy.

2. The report, moreover, is all together innacurate.

The report is all together innacurate.

Exercise A: Use commas to set off words correctly.

Instructions: Add commas

where necessary.

1. No I don’t think the library

is open on sundays.

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2. After circling the airport for an hour we finally

landed.,,

3. Although the game was postponed until Friday we had

practice every morning.,,

4. Yes I have finished the

dishes.,,

5. The exam however will be given as scheduled.

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6. Mrs. Cassini to tell the truth was quite pleased with our

pannel discussion.

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7. Since the cubs lost their last ten

games they will not be in the play-offs.,,

8. The results of the student survey however will not be revealed until

next week.,,

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9. No the mail has not been

delivered.,,

10. Even though we arrived early we still didn’t get good seats for the basketball game.

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Exercise B: Use commas to set off words correctly.

1. After we went on the hayride we had

a barbecue and played volleyball.

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2. Yes the garage has

been cleaned out.

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3. The game consequentely was postponed.

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4. The latest weather report however has

predicted rain for the weekend.

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5. Although the heavy snow tied up the

morning traffic most companies and

businesses were open as usual.

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6. Yes the intramural

track meet is tomorrow.

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7. Since Mardi Gras is such a celebrated

occasion in New Orleans most schools there take a holiday.,,

8. It is doubtful however that the

weather will change our plans.

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9. No the garage sale isn’t until

next week.

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10. If you look carefully at these old tintypes

you will see how different dress and housing used to be.

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SUMMARY:We use commas daily. At times, if you

don’t use them correctly, it could be very confusing to the reader. It could also

change the sentence completly. Interrupters are the added words that make

the sentence fuller and more detailed. A comma is a punctuation mark that we often

use after introductory words, phrases or clauses.

ThThank-ank-you!you!

SOURCES: www.penandpage.com

www.thefreedictionary.com

www.unc.edu