Commas
Where does the comma go and why?
Before we left the house I grabbed an umbrella.
After house, dependent clause
Which mark belongs? What rule are you using?
I brought three things for the hike ____ a flashlight, a water bottle, and a map.
colon; introduce a series/list
What mark goes in the blanks? What rule are you using?
The meeting is scheduled for May 3 ____ May 7.
en dash; between notations/numbers
We stayed at a cozy, family ____ run inn on the coast.
What goes in the blank? What rule are you using?
hyphen; compound word
What mark goes in the blank? What rule are you using?
The London ____ Paris flight was delayed due to weather.
en dash; between names/notations
Where does the comma go and why?
I wanted to go to the concert but I couldn’t afford a ticket.
after concert, compound + FANBOYS
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the lovers have the catfight to end all catfights (III____2).
colon; acts/scenes & chapter/verse
What mark goes in the blank? What rule are you using?
She wore a well ____ tailored suit to the interview.
hyphen; compound word
What goes in the blank? What rule are you using?
2. She was confident ____ maybe too confident____and it cost her.
em dashes (parenthetical) OR commas (nonessential)
Where should the comma(s) go? What rule applies?
“If you’re ready” she said “we can begin.”
after ready and after said; dialogue/quotes
Where do the commas go and why?
My dog who never listens actually obeyed my command today.
before who and after listens, nonessential phrase
Which mark belongs? What rule are you using?
I’ve read all of her novels ____ the latest one is my favorite.
semicolon; compound sentence (two independent clauses)
What mark goes in the blanks? What rule are you using?
The decision ____ though difficult ____ was ultimately the right one.
em dash; parenthetical
What goes in the blank? What rule are you using?
I don’t usually mind loud noises ____ however, that fire alarm was unbearable.
semicolon; compound + transition
Which mark belongs? What rule are you using?
He was exhausted ____ he hadn’t slept in two days.
semicolon; compound sentence
Where does the comma go and why?
We packed sandwiches chips fruit and cookies for the picnic.
after sandwiches, after chips, after fruit; series
Which mark belongs? What rule are you using?
8. He offered a convincing explanation ____ however, I still didn’t believe him.
semicolon; compound + transition
What mark goes in the blanks? What rule are you using?
The student–teacher ratio, the lunch prices, and the number of classes offered____everything at that school has gotten better since last year.
em dash; attach a summary
What goes in the blank? What rule are you using?
I packed everything for the trip ____ sunscreen, bug spray, and extra socks.
em dash (summary) OR colon (intro series/list)
Where do the commas go and why?
His plan to leave early and avoid traffic worked surprisingly well.
after plan and after traffic; nonessential
The old creaky stairs led to a dark musty attic.
after old, after dark; adjectives/adverbs
Which mark belongs? What rule are you using?
She had one goal in mind ____ finish the race no matter what.
colon; illustrates the previous
He was tired out after the elementary school visit_____then pepped up when it was time for the picnic!
em dash; change in direction or hesitation/pause
In order to be top performers____ show choir students put in hours and hours of work.
comma; introductory phrase
Where does the comma go and why?
Without admitting anything she told us what happened.
after anything; introductory phrase