Add the Commas
I like to read and I like to write.
I like to read, and I like to write.
Direct Address
If you do your homework, you are sure to be ready, for the test.
If you do your homework, you are sure to be ready for the test.
(eliminate second comma)
Eating pizza running outside and playing soccer are my favorite activities.
Eating pizza, running outside, and playing soccer are my favorite activities.
Items in a List
True or False: A comma indicates a pause when reading.
True
I like bananas so I eat them all the time.
I like bananas, so I eat them all the time.
We raised $8,000 at the fundraiser on July 7, 2023.
Numerals & Dates
His job was fun, and was a lot to learn, but he had a great mentor.
His job was fun and was a lot to learn, but he had a great mentor.
(eliminate first comma)
When the rubber hits the road the car goes fast.
When the rubber hits the road, the car goes fast.
Dependent + Independent Clause
True or False: A parenthetical phrase can come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
True
I work in a small cramped desk all day.
I work in a small, cramped desk all day.
After I went to the store, I came home and made pizza.
Dependent + Independent Clause
It makes me really sad, when I see trash on the ground.
It makes me really sad when I see trash on the ground.
(eliminate the comma)
Today I felt like a zombie after I ate the pizza but normally I feel just fine.
Today I felt like a zombie after I ate the pizza, but normally I feel just fine.
Independent + Independent Clauses
True or False: A phrase is an dependent clause.
False -
Phrases are missing either a subject or a verb.
They often need a comma to offset them in a sentence.
Mrs Smith the sixth grade teacher gave a lot of homework.
Mrs. Smith, the sixth grade teacher, gave a lot of homework.
Jordan likes to play soccer, but his twin brother prefers football.
Independent + Independent Clause
I love to eat grapes however, bananas make me sick.
I love to eat grapes however bananas make me sick.
(eliminate all commas)
"When I was eight" Jenna proclaimed "I walked in the ocean for the first time."
"When I was eight," Jenna proclaimed, "I walked in the ocean for the first time."
Separate Dialogue and Narration
True or False: A clause needs a subject and a verb.
True
Today I put on my favorite khakis a fabulous black polo and my kicks.
Today I put on my favorite khakis, a fabulous black polo, and my kicks.
You turn at the red light, I believe.
Parenthetical Elements
If you think you are ready to go, then put on your shoes and get in the car, before I change my mind.
If you think you are ready to go, then put on your shoes and get in the car before I change my mind.
(eliminate the second comma)
Everybody loves to eat grapes but nobody likes broccoli raisins or brussel sprouts.
Everybody loves to eat grapes, but nobody likes broccoli, raisins, or brussel sprouts.
Independent + Independent Clause
Items in a list
True or False: The oxford comma is optional.
FALSE - NOT IN THIS CLASSROOM!
You need it to eliminate confusion... remember?
We invited the rhinoceri, Washington and Lincoln.