Wednesday, 5/6
Starter:
1. Explain why a comma is used in the sentence.
During the hot summer of 1984, the temperature set records.
2. Explain why a comma is not used in the sentence.
During 1984 the temperature set records.
3. What is the “secret” to determining if you have a “to” + a verb introductory phrase?
Examples: To win, you must practice hard.
To win is my goal.
4. Explain why a comma is used in the following sentences.
a. After you complete the film, you will edit it.
b. Wherever you go, I will follow.
c. If the train is on time, we will meet you.
d. As if we were still friends, hold my hand.
5. Explain why a comma is not used in the following sentence.
Hold my hand as if we were still friends.
KEY – Starter
1. Long introductory phrase Not necessary after short introductory phrase
2. If you can put “in order” in front, you use a coma
3. (a) tells when
(b) tells where
(c.) tells why
(d) tells how
4. When the phrase is at the end of a sentence, a comma is not used.
Notes – Comma rule #5: COMMAS WITH NONESSENTIAL WORDS, PHRASES, AND CLAUSES
*Separate “interrupter” words like however, nevertheless, yes, no, of course, from the
rest of the sentence.
The man forgot, however, where he had placed his keys. (nonessential)
However, the man forgot where he has placed his keys. (nonessential)
*Separate a renamer (appositive) from the rest of the sentence with a comma.
Mr. Jones, the foreman at the plant, is on vacation.
*Separate adjective phrases from the essential parts of the sentence.
(adjectives describe nouns – a noun is the name of a person, place, thing or
Idea).
Examples:
Mary Roberts, calling out Joe’s name, ran down the street.
Calling out Joe’s name, Mary Roberts ran down the street.
1. Mary Roberts ran down the street, calling out Joe’s name.
Amazed at the noise, Mary Roberts ran down the street.
***In each of the above, “Mary Roberts ran down the street” is the essential part of the sentence. The adjective phrases are nonessential and should be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas. Separate nonessential adjective clauses from the rest of the sentence.
*There are two kinds of adjective clauses:
-one that is needed for the sentence to be complete (essential- no comma)
-one that is not needed for the sentence to be complete (nonessential- comma)
Examples:
The man who robbed the bank was caught today.
Sam Spider, who robbed the bank, was caught today.
***In the first sentence, if we remove the adjective clause “who robbed the bank,” we do not know which man was caught – it is essential information – no comma used.
***In the second sentence, if we remove the adjective clause “who robbed the bank,” the sentence reads, “Sam Spider was caught today.” Without the adjective clause we still know which man was caught (Sam Spider) – adjective clause is nonessential – commas used.
***REMEMBER – there are 4 nonessential elements that should be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas:
“interrupter” words like of course, however
“renamers” (appositives)
Nonessential adjective phrases
Nonessential adjective clauses
Assignment: Go to (http://www.towson.edu/ows/modulecomma.htm), or google in Self-teaching Unit: Major Comma Uses – go to first site. Complete Exercise 5. Record your score in your planner, on today’s date.
Time permitting: Go to website www.tinyurl.com/RFSAGEREVIEW. Begin/Do/continue questions 1-15. Write your percent score, in your student planner on today’s date. Continue past 15 if you have time. Record your score after every fifteen questions.
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