grammar PRESENTATION

Grammar

UnderstandingCommas

start

Grammar

01

Commas

Commas are used to separate non essential information. Hence-anything aside from the main clause (subject/verb/direct object) is either an essential clause or a non essential clause or phrase.

A setntence or main clause includes a subject and a verb

If you start with a preposition, you should use a comma.

I ran. I ran over the hill. Over the hill, I ran.

Preposition

Other Comma examples

When do you use a comma

• 2 sentences combined with a coordinating conjunction must include a comma
• Lists
• Dates
• Inroductory phrases
• interrupters or parenthetical elements
• 2 adjectives that can be flip flopped (tall, sweet)

section 01

Appositive phrases

Appositive phrases are examples of parenthetical elements John, the guy in my English class, is nice. Night, by Elie Wiesel, is a good book. Dear Martin, by Nick Stone, is a about a boy.

section 01

Comma Rule

One comma -you can remove what comes before or after Two commas -you can remove what is in the middle **Note-two sentences separated by a comma is a comma splice and unacceptable. You must add a coordinating conjunction or semicolon (or period).

versus 01

versus 02

• The store, Food Lion, is packed.
• Night, by Elie Wiesel, is about the Holocaust.
• The people are loud, so I called the police.

• The store Food Lion is packed.
• Night by Elie Wiesel is about the Holocaust.
• The people are loud so I called the police.

Examples of multi commas

02

01

On the counter, you will find the money, but don't forget to leave the book, Night, by the door.

Yesterday, my birthday, I was watching a T.V. Show, Greys Anatomy, and then I realized I had already seen the episode April 22, 2003.

You will find the money Don't forget to leave the book by the door.

I was watching a TV show I realized I had seen the episode.

04

03

diagramming

diagramming

The subject, verb, and direct object are the crux of the sentence.

Which vs that

Which vs that

Remember: The word which is always non essential (meaning commas are required), and the word that is essential (meaning no commas). The bike, which is in the garage, needs a new tire. The bike that is in the garage needs a new tire.

who

Who can be either-but commas mean it is unessential

Context and purpose is important to consider: Librarians who want an advanced degree must obtain a graduate certificate. Librarians, who want an advanced degree, must obtain a graduate certificate.

Let's talk Semicolons

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Only used to separate 2 independent clauses

Conjunctive adverbs are used with semicolons but must include a comma behind the conjunction.

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The two clauses must somehow be related or connected.

Examples: He was happy; however, he did not want to show it. I was prepared to take accept the grade; moreover, I refused to do the work.

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Are never used with FANBOYS(For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) but semicolons can replace FANBOYS

Can be used with a serial list (when the list contains additional punctuation: Richmond, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Charleston, S.C

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