Commas – A Digital Unit

1. Commas – A Digital Unit Language Arts 8 Comma Unit

2. Introduction • You will be using this PowerPoint to enter the digital world of commas. Read each slide carefully. Complete the examples you are given, and record any information that you might find helpful on your comma note sheet. Click on the arrows to advance to the next slide! *Be sure to take notes!*

3. What to Expect? • During this digital unit, you can expect to read a good bit of information about various types of commas. You can also expect to encounter many practice activities that will help reinforce your learning. Be prepared to take a final test on all of the information presented here!

4. Let’s Begin!!! • Don’t forget to take notes!

5. Part I: Back to Basics! • The following slides will present some basic comma information. Much of the following should be a review. But it is still important to read through and take notes! We will cover the areas of: • Back to Basics • The Comma • Phrases and Clauses • Independent Clauses • Compound Sentences ,

6. What is a Comma? , • A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. • Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader.

7. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. Examples will follow! A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a verb that complement each other. She bought some peaches when she went to the corner store. The Terminology!

8. SV The Couple Dances. SV The boy laughed. SV The dog barked. SV The girl sang. A complete sentence has two components, a Subject and a Verb. The subject and verb must form a complete thought to be considered an independent clause. An independent clause is a single, complete sentence with one single thought. Independent Clauses 1

9. A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound sentence. (Two complete sentences joined by a comma AND coordinating conjunction). A conjunction joins words, phrases, and clauses together in a sentence. Compound Sentences 2 • Conjunctions • for • and • nor • but • or • yet • so FAN BOYS

10. The comma in a compound sentence is placed before the coordinating conjunction. Commas in Compound Sentences Bill bought the ingredients, so Leah baked the cake. Andy built a snowman, and Jeff played with his dog. Mr. Raitano said to complete the comma unit, but the students played on the internet.

11. Compound Sentences: Exercise 1 Directions:Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide. 1. Danstruggledwithhishomeworksohisfatherhelpedhim. 2. Thetestwasimportantandhefailedmiserably. 3. Thegirldidnotgohomenordidshegotothegame.

12. Part II: Moving on Up! • The following slides will present some more advanced comma information. Much of the following should still be a review. Be sure to take notes on anything that you think will be helpful: • Moving on Up! • Dependent Clauses • Introductory Clauses • Essential Phrases and Clauses • Nonessential Phrases and Clauses • Sorry, no Santa Clauses

13. Dependent Clause 3 • A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but the clause is NOT a complete sentence! It cannot stand alone. • Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers. • Some dependent clause markers: becausethough sincealthough whenunless whileafter until before if once aswhether

14. Dependent Phrases and Clauses • Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause. • Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. • DEPENDENT CLAUSES ARE NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES! THEY CANNOT STAND ALONE!

15. Dependent Clauses serving as Introductory Clauses. The following rules apply when using a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. This is often referred to as an introductory clause. • When a dependent clauseis placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause. EXAMPLE: When Mary called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue. Independent Clause

16. Dependent Clauses serving as Introductory Clauses. • During the game, the boy ate the pizza. • As the rain fell, the sky turned darker and darker. • Since the girls won, the boys had to wear dresses to school. • Though we lost, the coach still took us out for ice cream. • Before we left home, we all went to the bathroom. • Unless you take the quiz, you are going to fail for the nine weeks. NOTE: When dependent clauses come at the beginning of the sentence, you MUST use a comma before moving to the independent clause. • Dependent/Introductory Clause • Independent Clause Notice the independent clause is a COMPLETE SENTENCE. It CAN stand alone!

17. Dependent/Introductory Clause Practice! Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. Be sure to review dependent clauses if you are struggling. • Oncewehadarrivedweweregreetedlikeroyalty. • Duringthemovieweateallofthepopcorn. • Thoughhewasthenewkidhealreadyhadagreatdealoffriends. • Beforehecouldspeakhismotherwasalreadyscolding him. • Untilhetoldthetruththejudgewasgoingtokeephimlockedup.

18. Dependent Clauses at the END of a sentence! When a dependent clause is located after an independent clause, DO NOT place a comma between the two. Complete Sentence Not a Complete Sentence I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me. Independent Clause Dependent Clause NO COMMA Complete Sentence Not a Complete Sentence I became very sick when the roller coaster did circles. Independent Clause Dependent Clause NO COMMA

19. Dependent Clauses at the END of a sentence! He was winning the race until he fell down. CORRECT - INCORRECT I stole the bike, because my friend told me to. CORRECT - INCORRECT I ran all the way home since I was being chased. CORRECT - INCORRECT The girl couldn’t believe he agreed, after everything that had happened. CORRECT - INCORRECT

20. Essential Phrases and Clauses 4 • An essential clause or phrase is used to modify a noun. • It also adds information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence. • Essential clauses are NOT set off by commas.

21. Essential Phrases and Clauses The peoplewho frequent my gymare so uptight! Essential phrase • If you remove the essential phrase, “who frequent my gym,” the sentence no longer makes complete sense. Try it! • The sentence, “The people are so uptight!” is too vague. It forces the reader to ask the question, “Which people?” • Remember: You DO NOT use commas with essential phrases!

22. Essential Phrases and Clauses The teacherthat I had last yearwas much nicer than this one! Essential Phrase HINT: The word THAT is almost always an indicator of an essential phrase or clause! Again, notice that there are no commas used to set off the essential phrase!

23. Essential Clause and Phrase Practice! The computer, that was stolen, was found in the dumpster. CORRECT - INCORRECT The boy, that won the race, did not fall down. CORRECT - INCORRECT The girl, who was being chased, ran all the way home. CORRECT - INCORRECT The teacher that was recently hired is my new favorite teacher! CORRECT - INCORRECT

24. Nonessential Phrases and Clauses 5 • A nonessential phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence. • This information can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence.

25. Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Always place commas around nonessential phrases and clauses. My brother, who lives across town, plans to throw a party! Non-essential COMMA COMMA Hint: Even if you remove the nonessential phrase from the sentence, the main idea of the sentence has not changed! Even without the phrase the sentence still makes sense:My brother plans to throw a party!

26. Nonessential Phrases and Clauses Steve said that we would see the movie on Valentine’s Day, which is my favorite holiday! Non-Essential For this example, it is not important for us to know that Valentine’s day is this person’s favorite holiday. It is non-essential information. Notice the sentence still gives the same important information if the end is removed. “Steve said that we would see the movie on Valentine’s Day.” It is only important that we know that Steve is taking her to see the movie on Valentine’s Day. Remove the end to test this.

27. Non-Essential Clause and Phrase Practice! The book, which was my favorite, was turned into a movie. CORRECT - INCORRECT The car which was blue was stolen last night. CORRECT - INCORRECT The movie, which I really liked, received horrible reviews. CORRECT - INCORRECT The boy, who was new to school, has lots of friends. CORRECT - INCORRECT

28. Part III: To Infinity and Beyond!! • We are now going to take a look at some other places where commas need to go. These comma errors are just as common as the others, but they are not studied as much. Let’s blast off to a new world of comma usage: • To Infinity and Beyond! • Interjection • Direct Address • Tag Question • Contrasting Elements

29. The Interjection 6 • When an interjection is used at the beginning of the sentence, follow it with a comma: Wow, love is heavenly! Ouch, love is cruel! Hey, come here! Whoa, did you see that? Yay, that was fun!

30. A Direct Address 7 Direct Address: To call a person or group of people to attention by using his or her name. • Use a comma to set off words used in direct address. Class, where would you put the comma in this sentence? Mr Raitano, we love to learn about commas! The speaker is directly addressing the class! The speaker is directly addressing Mr. Raitano

31. A Direct Address • Bill went to the store. Not a direct address! No Comma! • Bill came when he was called. No Comma! • Bill, get to the store! DIRECT ADDRESS! Comma after the direct address! • Bill, come over here! Comma after the direct address!

32. Tag Question 7 Tag question: a statement followed by a mini-question that asks for confirmation. Use a comma BEFORE a tag question! Mother: My daughter is a good student, isn’t she? Mr. Raitano: I think so, don’t you? Tag Question! Comma Comma Tag Question!

33. Contrasting Elements Use a comma to separate contrasting elements. Contrasting Elements will compare two items (or elements) and then draw some sort of conclusion. Marty, unlike some other students in the study hall, did not use the time to study and failed the comma test. COMMA COMMA Contrasting Element – We are comparing or contrasting Marty to the other students in his study hall.

34. Contrasting Elements Contrasting element • You are contrasting that boy listens better than the dog! The boy,unlike the dog, came when he was called. Contrasting element The bad guys,not the good ones, won this round. • You are contrasting bad guys and good guys. ALWAYS use commas to set off the contrasting elements!

35. Mixed Bag Practice 1 Directions: Click on the word that the comma should be attached to. When you are finished, advance to the next slide. 1. Whoadidyoujustseethat? 2. Fifthperiodturntopage22. 3. Ithinkshewouldbewillingtogooutofherwayforusdon’tyou? 4. Heycanyoucomeoverhereforasecond? 5. Mr. Johnson canyourepeatthatpartofthelecture? 6. Hewouldn’tdaretrytocomeinherewouldhe?

36. Contrasting Elements Practice 2! The yellow car unlike the red car finished in first place. CORRECT - INCORRECT The house on the left, not on the right, was broken into. CORRECT - INCORRECT The book not the movie was so much better. CORRECT - INCORRECT The girls, unlike the boys weren't afraid to get dirty. CORRECT - INCORRECT

37. Part IV: To Be or Not to Be (a comma error) • The next set of comma rules are fairly common and you should be familiar with them. These examples are mistakes that are often made the most. Some will be old, and some will be new, but we need to know if the comma should be there, or if it should not be there. • To Be or Not to Be! • Commas in a Series • Commas with Adjectives • Dates and Addresses • Letter or Email

38. Commas in a Series 8 • Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list. • The commas will help the reader to avoid confusion. • The comma before the conjunction is required.

39. Commas in a Series • Commas should be placed in a series of words, phrases, or clauses. • Look at the following sentences. Notice where the commas are! The commas separate the items in the series! 1. Martina brushed her hair, put on her pajamas, and went to bed. 2. She fell asleep and dreamed that she was a princess,she kissed a frog,and she rescued her prince.

40. Sentence Structure:Commas in a Series Consider the difference in the following: Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann Lee and Kim. • Notice how important correct comma usage is in the statements to the right. It can be very confusing to the reader if commas are used improperly, or not used at all. How many girls did Alex date? 4? 3? 2? • Last month, Alex dated Mary, Ann, Lee, and Kim. • Last month, Alex dated Mary Ann, Lee, and Kim.

41. Commas with adjectives 9 • Use commas to separate adjectives that provide an equal description of a noun. big blue housethree hungry kittens a cranky, mean man The big and blue house (um no) The blue big house (um no) The three and hungry kittens (no) The hungry three kittens (eh) The cranky and mean man (YES) The mean, cranky man (YES) THE TEST: ~Can you put “and” between the adjectives? ~Can they be described in reverse order? IF YES – USE A COMMA!

42. Dates and Addresses 10 • DATES: Use a comma between the date and the year when writing the date: January 1, 2009 October 31,2008 August 25,1983 • CITY,STATE: Use a comma between the city and state in an address. Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania Atlanta,Georgia • TOGETHER: Use a comma to separate items in dates and addresses when writing them in a sentence. Also, place a comma after the street name and before the city. Come to 123 Comma Lane, Pittsburgh, PA. on Monday,December 3. COMMA COMMA COMMA

43. Friendly Letter (Email) 11 Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter or email. Salutation: A word or phrase of greeting used to begin a letter or email. Dear Mr. Raitano, To Mrs. Knox, COMMA Use a comma at the closing of a friendly letter or email. Closing: A word or phrase that ends a friendly letter or an email. Sincerely, Mr. Holliday With my deepest regards, Mr. McCann Cordially yours, Mr. Miles COMMA COMMA COMMA

44. To Be, Or Not to Be! Practice… I really wanted to buy the pink shoes, the yellow hat, the orange gloves and the green socks. CORRECT - INCORRECT He had to speak to the strange, smelly old man. CORRECT - INCORRECT The party was being held at 307 Writing Lab Way, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on Monday, November 11. CORRECT - INCORRECT Dear Mom, Thanks for everything! With Love, Leah. CORRECT - INCORRECT

45. Part V: Splice Up Your Life! • You have now made it to the homestretch. You are down to the very last rule of this Digital Comma Unit. This final comma rule is probably one you have not heard about previously. It is the comma splice. Many people made this exact error in their narrative assignment. Pay close attention and close this Digital Unit out with a bang! • Splice Up Your Life! • The Comma Splice

46. The Comma Splice 12 • A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses (or complete sentences) are joined by a comma. We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon. Independent Clause Independent Clause The Internet has revolutionized the business world, online sales have increased dramatically this year. Independent Clause Independent Clause

47. To Correct a Comma Splice • Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses. • Start a new sentence. • Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic). • We had a nice time, and I hope we can meet again soon. • We had a nice time. I hope we can meet again soon. • The Internet has revolutionized the business world; online sales have increased dramatically this year. ALMOST FINISHED!!

48. Comma Splice?? Language Arts is my best subject,I am sure I will get an A. Is this right? Let’s find out! A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses (or complete sentences) are joined by a comma. This is an independent clause or a complete sentence! Language Arts is my best subject, This is also an independent clause or a complete sentence! I am sure I will get an A. Survey says? It’s a comma splice!!

49. Comma Splice Practice… I bought the red jeep, the one with the fluffy interior! CORRECT - INCORRECT I took the test, and I earned an A. CORRECT - INCORRECT I had to run all the way home, I was being chased. CORRECT - INCORRECT The teacher collected it yesterday, I didn’t turn it in. CORRECT - INCORRECT

50. You’ve Done it! • You have successfully completed your two day Digital Comma unit. You have taken in a great deal of information in the past two days. Be sure to study your notes for your comma test.