Different uses of Commas

There are many uses for commas. Sometimes they serve a purpose, other times they do not. This was a comma project that we did in class.

I.

Using commas to add information to sentences (8)

P-1b Commas that are used to end an introduction and start the sentence.

1. When Sarah was five years old, she broke her arm.

2. When Mark got his puppy, he forgot to get toys.

P-1d Nonrestrictive elements separate information that isn’t very useful. Restrictive elements don’t need a comma.

3. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell, in 1876.

4. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.

P-1e Commas that are used to separate information in the sentence from the main idea.

5. Holly has a turtle, named Sheldon, that is six years old.

6. The baby, who is one, is teething.

P-1f Commas that are used to help connect sentences, or clauses.

7. Thomas speaks English and Spanish. He also, speaks a little French.

8. Rebecca has a degree in Science. She also, has degrees in English and Mathematics.

II.

Using commas to separate information in sentences (10)

P-1g The use of commas to distinguish a quote from the speaker or the source

1."Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it," Lincoln's Cooper Institute Address, February 27, 1860.

P-1c Using a comma to separate items that are in a list or series

2. The awesome dude rode a wave, drove a car, and climbed a mountain.

3. The runners that all tied for first place were John, Paul, and Adam

4. In order to win the game you had to complete one of the goals such as putting the ball from a set distance into a hoop to get three points, from a shorter to range into the same hoop for two points, or putting the ball directly into the hoop with one hand for two points.

5. Surprisingly when walking through the neighborhood the children notice that all the houses where the same except for the colors which were red, green, and yellow houses.

6.When preparing for the dinner Eric cooked the meal, Jeremy set the table, and Ron catered to

the guest.

P-1h Adding commas to separate a direct address, yes or no, interjections, or tag question

7. Thank you, Carlos, without your help we couldn’t have achieved any of this.

8. Milk forms cheese when it expires, doesn’t it?

9. Oh my, that didn’t come out right!

10. Yes, you can replace the oil in your car by yourself.

III.

Using commas to join clauses ( along with conjunctions) to form compound sentences (3)

P-1a Using commas to combine two clauses with a conjunction

1. The holly bush from which mistletoes are cut is very pretty, but its berries are poisonous.

1. The young woman had a splendid voice, yet her talent was squandered at the refinery.

1. Mark finished the race first, and Jean was not far behind.

IV.

Using commas for mechanical/placeholder purposes (5)

P-1i Commas are used in the names of locations, addresses and in dates.

1. The party will take place at 906 Wilhelm Drive, Apt 6H.

2. The annual Harvest Festival commences at the beginning of every fall in South Orange, New Jersey.

1. On January 1, 1804, Haiti gained its independence from France.

1. My grandfather told me my inheritance was located in, P.O. Box 67790, Portland Maine 35390.

1. New York, New York, is home to America’s largest subway system.

V.

Unneeded commas: Common errors and overuse (5)

P-1j Commas are used unnecessarily sometimes. They are commonly misused between subjects and verbs, verbs and objects and after coordinating conjunctions.

1. Mixed breed dogs, tend to live longer healthier lives due to their diverse genes.

1. The soil’s high ph levels, made it hard for plants to grow in the forest.

1. The sub’s hull groaned, under the immense pressure of the ocean.

1. What no one could foresee, was the roof buckling under the weight of all the snow.

1. The car’s engine seems to be perfectly intact, yet it will no longer run properly.