Comma Usage Review Notes and Game

COMMA USAGE RULES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Mastering Commas for Clear Writing

PURPOSE OF COMMAS

Commas separate words or groups of words within a complete thought or sentence.

End marks (periods, question marks, exclamation points) separate complete thoughts from one another.

RULE 1: COMMAS IN A SERIES

Use commas to separate three or more items (words, phrases, or clauses)

• No comma needed for only two items
• No comma if all items joined by "and" or "or"

Short independent clauses use commas; long ones use semicolons

• Example: "We bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

RULE 2: COMMAS WITH ADJECTIVES

Learn when to use commas between multiple adjectives that describe the same noun.

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives before a noun. No comma is needed between the final adjective and the noun itself. Closely linked adjectives forming compound descriptions don't need commas. Example: "It was a long, tiring day." vs. "The blue sky."

Rule 3: USE A COMMA BEFORE FANBOYS CONJUNCTIONS

FANBOYS stands for: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Use these rules when joining independent clauses.

I wanted to go, but it was raining. She studied hard, so she passed the test. You can stay here, or you can come with us. Omit the comma if both clauses are very short: I ran and she walked.

RULE 4: COMMAS WITH INTERRUPTING EXPRESSIONS

Use commas to set off words or phrases that interrupt the flow of a sentence.

• Two commas if the phrase is in the middle; one comma if at the start or end.
• Example: "The movie, in my opinion, was fantastic."

Rule 5: USE A COMMA TO SET OFF NONESSENTIAL PHRASES AND CLAUSES

Nonessential (nonrestrictive) information can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. Essential (restrictive) clauses are necessary for identification.

My car, which is red, is fast. (nonessential – commas needed) Cars that have good mileage save money. (essential – no commas) The teacher, who retired last year, visited us. (nonessential) Students who study hard succeed. (essential – identifies which students)

Rule 6: USE COMMAS TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES

An appositive is a noun or pronoun that describes another noun. Use commas for nonessential appositives, but not for essential ones.

My friend, a skilled artist, painted this mural. The author, Jane Austen, wrote many beloved novels. My friend John is here. (essential—identifies which friend) The poet Robert Frost wrote about nature. (essential—identifies which poet)

Rule 7: USE A COMMA FOR DIRECT ADDRESS

Use commas to set off names or words when you are directly addressing someone in a sentence.

Lisa, can you help me with this assignment? Yes, John, I completely agree with your point. Students, please listen carefully to the instructions. Could you pass the salt, Mom?

RULE 8: COMMAS WITH PARENTHETICAL EXPRESSIONS

Parenthetical expressions are side remarks or additional information inserted into a sentence. Use commas to set these off from the rest of the sentence.

• Example: "The test, as you know, was difficult."
• Common parenthetical expressions include: however, therefore, in fact, of course, by the way, on the other hand.

RULE 9: COMMAS AFTER INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS

Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or multiple introductory phrases at the beginning of a sentence.

1. Use a comma after yes, no, or mild exclamations (well, why).
2. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clauses.
3. Examples: "Well, I'm not sure." "After the movie, we went home."

RULE 10: COMMAS WITH INTRODUCTORY ADVERB CLAUSES

An adverb clause at the beginning of a sentence is followed by a comma. When the adverb clause comes at the end, no comma is needed.

1. Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
2. After the test was over, students celebrated.
3. We stayed inside because it was raining.

RULE 11: COMMAS IN CONVENTIONAL SITUATIONS

Commas are used in dates, addresses, and letter formatting to separate elements and ensure clarity.

1. Dates: July 4, 2024 (comma between day and year)
2. Addresses: Austin, Texas (comma between city and state)
3. Letters: "Dear Sarah," and "Sincerely, John" (comma after salutation and closing)

COMMAS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR CLARITY IN WRITING. PRACTICE USING THESE RULES AND REVIEW YOUR WORK CAREFULLY. ANY QUESTIONS OR EXAMPLES WE CAN TRY TOGETHER?

Comma BOARD GAME

DICE

Tokens

exit

• The game is for 2 to 4 players.
• Each player must choose a token and roll the die (just tap the digital die and wait for it to stop).
• The player who rolls the highest number goes first.
• To play, each player must roll the die and move their token to the corresponding space.

• When they land on a space, the player you must answer the question on that space. If you gte it right, move forward 1 space; if you get it wrong, move back 2 spaces.
• The first player to reach the finish line wins.

Use this space to add some cool interactivity. Include text, images, videos, tables, PDFs... even interactive questions!