English I Honors

1. English I Honors 5th March 2012 Grammar Unit Commas

2. 7th March 2012 • BW: Copy the following sets of words and the rule for remembering the difference: • Its = shows possession, it’s = “it is” or “it has” • “alot” needs to be written as “a lot” • Create a sentence with at least one from each pair. • EQ: What is the importance of commas? • HW: Comma practice – due tomorrow S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

3. First, a joke… • “A panda walks into a restaurant…” • “Eats, shoots and leaves.” S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

4. So, what’s a comma? • Punctuation mark • Used to indicate separation of ideas or objects • When read, indicate a pause • And when sung, can look like this… S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

5. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

6. Rule #1 – Compound Sentence • Compound sentence • Two independent clauses joined together • Joiner is either a semicolon or a comma/conjunction combination • Remember: “I, and I” • Examples: • Right: Ms. Tweed wrote to the student’s father, and she gave him a referral. • Wrong: Ms. Tweed wrote to the student’s father, and gave him a referral. • Also Wrong: Ms. Tweed wrote to the student’s father, she gave him a referral. (What is this called?)

7. Rule #2 – Complex Sentences • Formed by joining a dependent clause to an independent clause. • When the dependent clause comes first, there must be a comma following it. • There is no need for a comma when the independent clause comes first. • Remember: D, I or ID • Examples: • Shannon went to school after she woke up. • After she woke up, Shannon went to school.

8. Rule #3 – Restrictive Elements • Restrictive elements • Essential to the basic meaning of the sentence • NO COMMAS • Examples: • Weather that is damp makes me feel sick. • The kind of weather is essential to the sickness. • My brother Tony visited school today. • How can we change this one? S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

9. Rule #3 – Example S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

10. Rule #3 – Nonrestrictive Elements • Nonrestrictive elements • Not essential to the basic meaning of the sentence • USE COMMMAS • Examples: • Mr. Townes, who grew up in Texas, is a teacher. • Tony, my brother, visited the school today. • This type of nonrestrictive element is called an appositive. It renames what you’re talking about, but isn’t necessary. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

11. Practice! In each of the following sentences, tell whether the dependent clauses are restrictive or nonrestrictive. Commas have been omitted. 1. The band which leads the procession won the state championship last year. 2. Phillip who is an intelligent kid knew just what to do in the emergency. 3. A house that is in need of paint looks unattractive. 4. Franklin Roosevelt who was the 31st president was the first president to be elected to more than two turns. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

12. Rule #4 – Direct Address • Use a comma to separate a direct address to something from the rest of the sentence. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

13. Rule #4 – Direct Address S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

14. Rule #5 – Items in a series • Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more words or phrases • Examples: • The away team was Kirk, Spock, and a redshirt. • I need to cut the grass, run the weed whacker, and spray for fire ants. • Don’t use a comma in just a series of two. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

15. Rule #6 - Transitions • Use commas to separate transitional words or phrases from the rest of the sentence. • Examples: • No, you may not. • Yes, won’t you please come in? • Eh, I don’t know so much about that. • It’s my belief, though, that the iPhone is overrated. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

16. Rule #7 - Dates Rule #8 - Cities • Use commas to separate the day of the month from the year • March 7, 2012 • Use commas to separate a city from a state or country • Paris, France • Paris, Texas Rule #9 – Letter Greetings/Closings • Use commas in letter greetings and closings • Dear Santa Claus, • Sincerely,

17. Rule #10 – Word Replacement • Use commas to indicate the omission of certain words from a sentence. • Usually used in parallel constructions. • Examples: • I like Deep Space 9; Mandy, The Next Generation. • I want to go to the pool; Dave, the movie. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

18. Practice Activity • Each table has strips with sentences on them, as well as a Post-It pad to use as commas. • Punctuate each sentence correctly, then bring them up to the board for review. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009

19. To Summarize • Answer the following questions: • 3 things you learned • 2 things you have questions about • 1 comment for Mr. Townes • Leave responses in the box on the way out. • Comma practice is due tomorrow. S-V Agreement Mathis 2009