03.06 - Pause for Commas Lesson

03.06 - Pause for Commas Lesson

Work through each slide to learn about commas then take the 03.06 Quiz on Schoology for a grade!

Lesson Objectives

• I can identify coordinate adjectives and non-coordinate adjectives.

• I can properly punctuate adjectives that appear in sequence.

• I can identify the purpose of introductory clauses, introductory phrases, and introductory words.

• I can properly punctuate introductory elements in the sentence.

Commas represent a pause in your writing.

Commas and Coordinate Adjectives

• You know that adjectives are words that describe nouns.

  In your narrative writing, you want to describe things creatively. You might place two adjectives in front of a noun.

• Jody’s nightmare featured a creepy, sinister clown and several hideous monkeys.

• Why does the first pair have a comma between them and the second pair does not?

  
  

Jody’s nightmare featured a creepy, sinister clown and several hideous monkeys.

Tips and Tricks: Imagine the word and between the adjectives. Ask yourself if it makes sense.

• "a creepy sinister clown" becomes" a creepy and sinister clown"

  It makes sense

  Coordinate = comma

  You would write: "a creepy, sinister clown"

• "several hideous monkeys" becomes" several and hideous monkeys"

  It does not make sense

  Non-coordinate = No comma

  You would write: "several hideous monkeys"

Multiple Choice

Determine if the adjectives in italics are coordinates or non-coordinates.

My bright sunny morning turned into a terrible day.

• Coordinate. I should add a comma.

• Non-coordinate. I should not add a comma.

ANSWER: My bright, sunny morning turned into a terrible day.

You could say my bright and sunny morning, so these are coordinate adjectives and need a comma.

Multiple Choice

Determine if the adjectives in italics are coordinates or non-coordinates.

The day turned bad when Mr. Jones gave a difficult surprise quiz.

• Coordinate. I should add a comma.

• Non-coordinate. I should not add a comma.

ANSWER: The day turned bad when Mr. Jones gave a difficult surprise quiz.

You wouldn't say a difficult and surprise quiz, so these are non-coordinate adjectives and do NOT need a comma.

Adding commas after introductions

Introductory Clause

• An introductory clause has a subject and a verb. It provides information about the main sentence. It explains when, why, or under what condition the main action takes place.

• Always place a comma after an introductory clause.

Introductory Clause Examples:

• Bonus Hint: Read each sentence aloud. There is a natural pause where the comma goes.

• Since the storm was coming, Sheila took her umbrella.

• As she opened the umbrella, the wind blew it away.

• If you find an umbrella flying down the street, it may belong to her.

Introductory Phrase

• An introductory phrase does not have a subject and verb. It provides information about the main sentence. It explains where, when, why, or under what condition the main action takes place.

• Always place a comma after an introductory phrase.

Introductory Phrase Examples

• Bonus Hint: Read each sentence aloud. There is a natural pause where the comma goes.

• In my house, Sundays are always loud.

• From noon until 4 o’clock, my dad and I go crazy watching football.

• To escape the madness, my mom blasts classical music.

Introductory Word

• An introductory word can serve many purposes. It may refer to the person being addressed. It may be a transition word. It may provide an answer or create a delay before the main sentence starts.

• Always place a comma after an introductory word.

Introductory Word Examples

• Bonus Hint: Read each sentence aloud. There is a natural pause where the comma goes.

• Mom, I cannot find my book report.

• Umm, did you look under your bed?

• Yes, it is not there.

• Someday, you’ll learn to be more organized.

Multiple Choice

How would you correctly punctuate this sentence?

Yesterday Stefan came home from school without his key.

• I would place a comma after the word yesterday.

• I would place a comma after the word school.

• I would not add a comma because the sentence is correct.

Multiple Choice

How would you correctly punctuate this sentence?

To try and get into his house Stefan jumped from a tree to an open upstairs window.

• I would place a comma after the word tree.

• I would place a comma after the word house.

• I would not add a comma because the sentence is correct.

Multiple Choice

How would you correctly punctuate this sentence?

Stefan missed the jump and ended up with a broken arm.

• I would place a comma after the word jump.

• I would place a comma after the word up.

• I would not add a comma because the sentence is correct.

Quiz time!

Go back to Schoology to take the 03.06 - Pause for Commas Quiz.

Come back to review this Quizizz lesson if you don't do well the first time!