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Rules of Commas
rewriting sentences
Fix the sentence and say why you put the comma
Why is the comma here
Random Comma Questions
100
Use a comma with one of the FAN BOYS (coordinating conjunctions) to join two _______________ ____________.
Independent clauses (complete thoughts).
100
These books were not as good as I had thought. I picked these books out at the library.
These books that I picked up at the library, were not as good as I thought.
100
We saw a flash of lightning and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder.
We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder. *Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins the two independent clauses.
100
He walked down the street, and then he turned the corner.
It separates two independent clauses.
100
A word or string of words which contains relevant yet non-essential information.
What is a non-restrictive clause.
200
Commas should be used to set off an __________________. Example: Dr. Smith, the author, is our neighbor.
Appositive.
200
Christmas movies such as Elf and The Grinch are Gina's favorite thing about the holiday season.
Christmas movies, such as Elf and The Grinch, are Gina's favorite thing about the holiday season.
200
Born in a log cabin near Pepin Wisconsin Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote several children's books about growing up as a pioneer in the American West.
Born in a log cabin near Pepin, Wisconsin, Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote several children's books about growing up as a pioneer in the American West. *an address or place name are separated by commas
200
When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord.
The comma is separating the introduction from the main idea in the sentence.
200
Use a comma to separate a "_____tion" from the rest of the sentence.
What is a direct quotation.
300
When a speaker in a sentence names the person whom he/she is speaking, this addressing of his/her audience is called a ________ _____________.
Direct address
300
According to a new study losing just one hour of sleep contributes to unsafe driving.
According to a new study, losing just one hour of sleep contributes to unsafe driving.
300
Sandra Belinsky MD has been appointed to the board.
Sandra Belinsky, MD, has been appointed to the board. *If a title follows a name, separate the title from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas.
300
Mary promised that she would be a good girl, that she would not bite her brother, and that she would not climb onto the television.
Separating a series of clauses.
300
Correct the following sentence: On December 12 1890 orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull.
On December 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull.
400
This comma tells the readers that the_________________ ___________ or _________ has come to a close and that the main idea of the sentence is about to begin.
Introductory clause or phrase
400
Her car which broke down would not sell.
Her car, which broke down, would not sell.
400
Before the bed and breakfast opened the only place to stay around here was at the motor lodge just off the highway.
Before the bed and breakfast opened, the only place to stay around here was at the motor lodge just off the highway. *A dependent clause comes before an independent clause.
400
Steven Strom, whose show you like, will host a party next week.
The commas are enclosing the nonrestrictive clause.
400
Which of the following sentences is correct? Correct means all necessary comma(s) as well as no unnecessary comma(s). A. Anna dislikes riding her bike, running, and skateboarding. B. Anna dislikes riding her bike, running, and, skateboarding.
The correct answer is A.
500
Use a comma to separate each ________ in a _______. A series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form a sentence.
Item in a series?
500
Oreo my pet dog barked loudly at the mailman.
Oreo, my pet dog barked loudly at the mailman.
500
Our first aid kit contains a thermometer bandages medical tape and antibiotic ointment.
Our first aid kit contains a thermometer, bandages, medical tape, and antibiotic ointment. *Use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
500
Suzy, my pet terrier, loves to go for walks in the woods.
The commas separate the appositive (noun phrase that renames a nearby noun).
500
Correct the following sentence: Please send the letter to Greg Carvin at 708 Spring Street Washington IL 61571.
Please send the letter to Greg Carvin at 708 Spring Street, Washington, IL 61571.