All about Commas

Punctuations

are marks, such as period, comma, and parentheses, used in writing to separate sentences 

Apostrophes 

• to indicate a contraction = couldn’t, don't, isn't

• to indicate a ownership = the girl's arm

Multiple Choice

[how many apostrophes are needed]

Didnt you hear that theyre leaving tomorrow?

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

They are not afraid to go ahead with the plans, though the choice is not theirs

• Their

• They're

• They'are

Multiple Choice

Why __________ you be nice to him?

• cannot

• can'not

• can't

Comma Usage

• Commas are used to separate three or more items in a series

• Use a comma after the day and after the year unless the date ends the sentence.

My favorite spots are softball, swimming, and volleyball.

example

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869.

Multiple Choice

On August 9 1974 Richard Nixon became the first president in U.S. history to resign from office

• after 9 & after 1974

• after the name Richard Nixon

• after 9 & before 1974

Using Commas in Address

place a comma after the street and after the city

Do not place a comma between the state and the zip code. Like a date, if you need to continue the sentence after adding the address, simply add a comma after the address.

Multiple Choice

Chicago Illinois is known as the Windy City.

• Chicago, Illinois, is known as the Windy City.

• Chicago, Illinois is known as the Windy City.

• Chicago Illinois, is known as the Windy City.

• Correct as is

Multiple Choice

Our school is located 4071 Wheat St. Houston TX.

• 4071 Wheat St. Houston, TX.

• 4071 Wheat St. Houston; TX.

Multiple Choice

We have just booked our flight to Athens, Greece.

• Weve just booked our flight to Athens Greece.

• We've just booked our flight to Athens, Greece.

• Wev'e just booked our flight to Athens, Greece.

Commas in Compound and Complex Sentences

• compound sentences

• complex sentence

Compound sentence

consists of two or more independent clauses joined with a comma and coordinating conjunction

Should visitors to our national parks be able to use their phones freely, or should phone use be restricted?

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.

a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses

If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.

a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses

Multiple Choice

Ethan may take up coaching after he retires from basketball, or he might simply spend more time with his family.

• before time

• after basketball

• before might