Commas. How to use them?

Commas

How to use them

Comma

A comma is a punctuation mark It tells us to take a brief pause when we are reading – not as long as a full stop. It is the most common punctuation mark but has to be used carefully.

Commas

Commas can change the meaning of a sentence Title of book Eats shoots and leaves. Eats, shoots and leaves.

Changing meaning 2

• The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver, paper, hats, clocks and tablecloths.
• The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver paper, hats, clocks and tablecloths.
• The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver, paper hats, clocks and tablecloths.

Different Uses - 1

• When there is a list of words in a sentence
• We will need hammers, nails and a saw.
• She stopped, stared and ran.
• Mr Cherry was a warm, hospitable man.
• Sam frightened the cat, teased the dog and annoyed the neighbours.

Different Uses - 2

Commas are used to break up longer sentences into smaller parts to make more sense.When he saw the pirate ship on the horizon, the captain gave the alarm. She called as loudly as she could, but no-one could hear her.

Different Uses - 3

Commas are used to separate any extra information that is added.The words enclosed by the commas could be left out without changing the general meaning of the sentence

Adding information

Paul Mann, our star player, broke his leg in the match on Saturday. Paul Mann broke his leg in the match on Saturday. The man, who was wearing a blue hat, slid silently into the room. The man slid silently into the room.

Other Uses

To break up groups of numbers into thousands. 1,999,999 When writing a date. February 14th, 1990 Inside speech marks. “We are leaving tomorrow,” said Fred.

Summary - Commas

VÍDEO

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