The Comma: Punctuation and Grammar

Rhythm and FlowPart II

• Direct Address• Separate Adjectives• Interruptions• Appositives• Explanatory Phrases• Dialogue and Direct Quotes

Name: _____________________

Students will understand that using commas will allow them to vary sentence

structure in their writing.

Students will understand that the comma allows the reader to judge rhythm, direction, pace,

and flow of writing.

Students will understand that the comma is a useful and necessary

punctuation mark with a wide variety of grammatical functions.

How do writes vary sentence structure?

How does the comma allow readers to judge rhythm, direction, pace,

and flow of writing?

Why is the commasuch a useful and necessary

punctuation mark?

How can I use commas to createmore interesting sentences?

Direct AddressLenny, I’ve been expecting you since Friday .

We have been expecting you, Lenny.

Of course, Lenny, we have been expecting you.

RuleUse commas to separate a noun of direct address (the person being spoken to) from the rest of the sentence.

Direct Address

Peter, we have seen your work. It is excellent.

We have all been away on vacation, Robert, since Monday.

It is time to go to work, Peter.

Separate AdjectivesThe huge, furry dog chased him over the fence and into the pool.

RuleUse commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun.

EXAMPLE: There are plenty of nutritious, edible plants in the world.

(nutritious and edible are separated by a comma because they modify plants equally.

NO COMMA NEEDED EXAMPLE: We may eat many unusual plants in the years to come.

TESTS: Use one of these tests to see if the adjectives modify equally:

1.Switch the order of the adjectives. If the sentence is still clear, the adjectives modify equally.

2.Put the word and between the adjectives. If the sentence is clear, the adjectives modify equally.

Separate Adjectives

The colorful, feathery parrot perched himself on my shoulder.

The cute, adorable parakeet chirped and sang all afternoon.

The stylish, ornate birdcage needed to be cleaned.

Many of the rare, exotic birds were kept in special cages.

InterruptionsAunt Roselyn, of course, would not wear the parrot costume.

George, therefore, had to leave the drugstore in a hurry.

RuleUse commas to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main part of a sentence.

Words or phrases that you can use to interrupt main thoughts:

for example to be sure moreover

however as a matter of fact in fact

of course therefore specifically

Tests1. Take out the word or phrase. The meaning of the sentence should not change.

2. Move the word or phrase to another part of the sentence. The meaning should not change.

Interruptions

She will, however, be the best possible choice for the position.

Your brother, for example, might want to get trained in a new field.

I am, as a matter of fact, enrolling in a new course this semester.

The university, in fact, is offering courses for kids your age.

AppositivesJen, the craziest kid in our class, scored the most points.

RuleUse a comma to set off appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase that is another way of saying the noun or pronoun before it.

Mr. O’Neil, our history teacher, says that it is important to understand the U.S. Constitution.

Appositives

The book, A Study of Inuit Art, was impressive on the coffee table.

Jim, the mechanic, is the real expert on a car’s performance.

Mr. Imbriano, our math teacher, took us on three field trips this year.

Apples, an incredible source of fiber, are cheap and easy to find.

Explanatory Phrases

Timothy, who lives in New York, has his own ice cream company.

RuleUse a comma to set off an explanatory phrase from the rest of the sentence. (Explanatory means helping to explain.)

Ex: Sebastian, back from his visit to Florida, told us all about the trip.

Explanatory Phrases

This new car, according to the latest government reports, rates high on stability.

Joe Hill, who sits next to me in class, is a good writer.

Mark Griffin, who lives in New York City, specializes in writing.

The author, who likes to vacation in Miami, visits our school each year.

Direct Quotes in Essays“Compounds in cocoa inhibit the activity of the pancreatic lipase enzyme,” says researcher Josh Lambert.

Researcher and medical doctor Keith Ayob says, “Removing nutrient-rich chocolate milk creates unintended consequences for kids’ nutrition.

RuleUse a comma to set off the words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence.

If you are telling what someone said or thought but are not using the person’s exact words, do not use commas or quotation marks.

Many scientists think chocolate milk is good for you.

Direct Quotes in Essay Format

“Protein is instrumental in rebuilding muscle damaged from a tough workout,” says Jill Barker of the Montreal Gazzette.

“Small exercise studies have found that chocolate milk can help boost endurance after intensive workouts,” says reporter Allison Aubrey of National public Radio.

According to Jamie Oliver, “When kids drink chocolate milk at school, they’re getting nearly two extra gallons of sugar each year.”

Danielle Martin, Executive Director of the Ministry of Food says, “Children need plain milk.”

Dialogue Beginning Sentence

“Today must be Tuesday,” she muttered.

RuleUse a comma to set off the words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence.

If you are telling what someone said or thought but are not using the person’s exact words, do not use commas or quotation marks.

Jim told me long ago that he would move to California.

Dialogue at the Beginning of a Sentence

“The math test is tomorrow,” Mr. Dietrich announced to the class.

“What will be on the test?” asked Brent.

“I must study!” screamed Amy from the back of the room.

Dialogue Ending a SentenceThen he asked, “How did you get here without a balloon?”

RuleUse a comma to set off the words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence.

If you are telling what someone said or thought but are not using the person’s exact words, do not use commas or quotation marks.

Jim told me long ago that he would move to California.

Dialogue at the End of a Sentence

Francesca whispered to me, “Do you want to study tonight?”

I replied, “Yes, we should study from six to eight.”

Francesca shouted suddenly, “Wow! I can’t believe we have to study that long!”

Vary Your Sentence Structure: pages 428-438

Commas: pages 482-489

Understanding Sentences: pages 560-566