Comma Rules
True or false: Commas may go anywhere you feel like pausing: it's personal preference.
False
Last weekend I ran a half marathon and it was harder than I thought.
False - A comma is needed before the 'and' because it is a compound sentence.
Correct or incorrect
I ate the last cookie, my mom will be so mad!
Incorrect! This is a comma splice.
Correct or incorrect?
I would love to take you with me; however, I'm not allowed to bring a guest.
Correct
Is a correction needed?
Can you believe it? Somebody left their dog in a hot car with the windows rolled up!
Yes!
Left his or herCommas go after introductory phrases and clauses and after introductory elements or transition words.
True
Is the following sentence correct or incorrect?
I was born on August 4th 2005 in Paris Texas.
No -
It needs commas between after the 4th and after 205 and between Paris Texas.
Correct or incorrect -
Dad, have you seen my phone?
Correct - Commas when directly addressing someone
Misplaced Modifiers-
At the age of six, my mother sang hymns to me.
Which revision is correct?
A. My mother, at the age of six, sang hymns to me.
B. My mother sang hymns to me at the age of six.
C. My mother sang hymns at the age of six to me.
B. My mother sang hymns to me at the age of six.
Correct the sentence below.
A Christmas frost had come at midsummer a white December storm had whirled over June. Ice glazed the ripe apples drifts of snow crushed the blowing roses.
Commas go after or around interjections and nouns/names when you directly address another person in your writing.
True
Is the following sentence correct or incorrect?
Ouch! I have feelings too, Jayden.
Correct! Commas are needed before directly addressing Jayden.
Correct or incorrect?
After the game this Friday night we should go get pizza at the new place downtown.
Incorrect!
A comma is needed after 'night' because 'After the game Friday night' is an introductory phrase or clause.
Correct the sentence below.
Playing skillfully, a touchdown was made by the hometown team.
By playing skillfully, the hometown team was able to make a touchdown.
Find the two problems.
Its important that you receive at least eight hours' of sleep a night.
It's
hours
True or False
It is fine to join two separate sentences together with a comma.
False
Is the following sentence correct or incorrect?
She ordered two lattes, one water bottle, and a cookie.
Correct! Commas with a series of three or more items.
I know you hate comma rules, but the test is almost over.
Correct!
Commas before a FANBOY is needed with a compound sentence.
Correct the sentence below.
When only a baby, Mom took me scuba diving.
What is a misplaced modifier?
Mom took me scuba diving when only a baby.
Is a correction needed?
Everyone on the planet deserves clean water to quench their thirst.
Yes! Everyone is singular. Their to his or her.
Is the sentence below correct?
John refused to apply for the job; however, he pretended to look for one.
Yes, it is correct!
Correct or not?
My Uncle Dave, a recent university graduate, says I will win the talent contest.
Correct!
Commas must be used with junk/nonessential appositives.
Run- On or Comma Splice
The year has come to an end you will need to get a summer job make sure you also have some fun this summer.
Run-on!
Periods should be added after 'end' and after 'job,' or coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) with commas can be used to join the sentences together.
Correct -
To be excused from class, a doctor's note is required.
Hint! Who must be excused?
Dangling modifier
To be excused from class, a student is required to have a doctor's note.
Is a correction needed?
My father is chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, he also heads the Warrant Committee.
Yes. There is a comma splice after Relations.
Where does the comma belong?
After completing your test you may enjoy some free time.
My Easter weekend will include, lots of egg hunting with my grandkids and singing in my church choir.
No. The comma after include should be removed.
What's wrong with the sentence below?
Someone should go to see The Texas Chainsaw Massacre if they love horror movies.
Correct the sentence below.
If a student wants to succeed, they must work hard
Pronoun agreement -
He or she must replace the word they.
What's wrong with the sentence?
Jason Vorhees and Freddy Krueger teamed up to take revenge on his foes.
Pronoun agreement - his should be their
There are three problems.
Its normal for a chef too want to have different kinds of knives' in the kitchen.
to
knives
Prairie dogs are found across the plains, especially in the western part of Texas but their numbers have plunged in the State.
and State should not be capitalized.
Find the two problems.
The many prairie dogs droppings fertilized the soil, and there tunnels added air and kept the earth from packing down.
dogs'
their
Five Problems - Find them!
Lookouts who watch for predators are stationed at the burrow entrances and when a human or predatory animal approaches there colony sentries' make warning calls.
, who watch for predators,
, and
approaches,
their
sentries
Find the two problems.
The Doctor called his condition dementia and said it may have been caused by brain injuries' from playing football in high school.
doctor
injuries is not possessive