Commas
After the game we are all going to Taco Bell.
After the game, we are all going to Taco Bell.
I follow the golden rule treat others as you want to be treated.
I follow the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated.
I really need to study this test is Wednesday!
I really need to study; this test is Wednesday!
Can a comma separate two independent clauses?
No!
The loud crackling thunder made my dog hide under the bed.
There were four students in the group but only two of them contributed to the project.
There were four students in the group, but only two of them contributed to the project.
We can have one of two things for dinner pizza or pasta.
We can have one of two things for dinner: pizza or pasta.
Carla didn't really want to go to the party however, all her friends would be there, so she decided to go.
Carla didn't really want to go to the party; however, all her friends would be there, so she decided to go.
Name two punctuation marks that can introduce an afterthought.
Comma and colon
William Shakespeare who wrote a lot of plays and poems often made up words for his work.
William Shakespeare, who wrote a lot of plays and poems, often made up words for his work.
My dog who is sick needs medication.
My dog, who is sick, needs medication.
I agree that we should not end this meeting until we have voted.
I agree that we should not end this meeting until we have voted.
(no change)
Please write the following names of basketball players on the board: James, Lebron Jordan, Michael and Bryant, Kobe.
Please write the following names of basketball players on the board: James, Lebron; Jordan, Michael; and Bryant, Kobe.
How do you know if you should put a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction or not?
If the second clause is independent, you need a comma before the conjunction. If it isn't, then you don't need a comma.
Marty McMoofle rarely showered making sure to smell his worst when he was going out in public.
Marty McMoofle rarely showered, making sure to smell his worst when he was going out in public.
I want to see that movie especially since the first one was so good.
I want to see that movie, especially since the first one was so good.
Mickey was unsure about the answer it could be A or it could be C.
Mickey was unsure about the answer: it could be A or it could be C.
There are lots of reasons I hate doing dishes for example, the thought of touching someone else's old food disgusts me.
There are lots of reasons I hate doing dishes; for example, the thought of touching someone else's old food disgusts me.
Name 5 of the 7 FANBOYS conjunctions.
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Several students begged their teacher for one thing a retake on the test.
(Two possible answers)
Several students begged their teacher for one thing: a retake on the test.
OR
Several students begged their teacher for one thing, a retake on the test.
Marty McMoofle was often teased for his name among other things.
Marty McMoofle was often teased for his name, among other things.
Marty McMoofle did one thing that people liked he twisted his body so that his knees were behind his back.
Marty McMoofle did one thing that people liked: he twisted his body so that his knees were behind his back.
I love to read mystery novels, which keep me guessing about the ending, fantasy novels, which take my imagination on a wild adventure, and horror novels, which keep me up at night.
I love to read mystery novels, which keep me guessing about the ending; fantasy novels, which take my imagination on a wild adventure; and horror novels, which keep me up at night.
When the second independent clause (sentence) explains or restates an idea from the first.
Poor Marty McMoofle was lonely no one wanted to sit by him speak to him or even look at him. (Two possible answers)
Poor Marty McMoofle was lonely: no one wanted to sit by him, speak to him, or even look at him.
OR
Poor Marty McMoofle was lonely; no one wanted to sit by him, speak to him, or even look at him.