Continuing Commas

Continuing Commas

Learn how to use commas in dates, series, for introductory phrases/clauses, and FANBOYS.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses commas in a date correctly?

• Today is January 13 2021.

• Today is January 13, 2021.

• Today is January, 13, 2021.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses commas in a series correctly?

• I ate a sandwich, an apple, and chips.

• I ate a sandwich an apple and chips

• I ate a sandwich, an apple and chips.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses commas in a date correctly?

• My birthday was on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

• My birthday was on Saturday January 9, 2021.

• My birthday was on Saturday January 9 2021.

Commas for Introductory phrases and clauses.

• An introductory phrase does not have a subject or a verb. They tell us Where, When, Why, or How.

• Ex: To stay in shape for competition, athletes must exercise ever day.

• An introductory clause tells background information for the main part of the sentence and begins with an adverb.

• Ex: If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses commas for introductory phrases correctly?

• After dinner I will bake cookies.

• After dinner, I will bake cookies.

• After, dinner I will bake cookies.

Multiple Choice

What sentence uses commas for introductory clauses correctly?

• While I was eating, I watched Netflix on my phone.

• While, I was eating I watched Netflix on my phone.

• While I was eating I watched Netflix on my phone.

Use a comma between coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) to join two complete sentences.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses commas for FANBOYS correctly?

• My hamster loves to play so I gave him a hula-hoop.

• My hamster loves to play so, I gave him a hula-hoop.

• My hamster loves to play, so I gave him a hula-hoop.

The Oxford comma

• The last comma in a list or series.

• Follows "and"

• Helps avoid confusion.

What is the difference when you use and when you do not use an Oxford comma?

• Ex (with Oxford comma): We invited the rhinoceri, Washington, and Lincoln.

• Ex (without Oxford comma): We invited the rhinoceri, Washington and Lincoln.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses an Oxford comma correctly?

• The bus was full of crazy people, you and your friends.

• The bus was full of crazy people, you, and your friends.

Poll

How are you feeling about commas?

• I feel great!

• I feel good, but could use more help.

• I need help!