Comma Rules

Mentor Sentences

Comma Rules

Multiple Choice

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.

What comma rule is this?

• #1 FANBOYS

• #2 SWABIs

• #3 Interruptions

• #4 Dialogue/Direct Quote

• #5 Lists

SWABIs and Commas

• When a sentence BEGINS wiht a SWABI, place a comma after the phrase

• If a SWABI is in the middle of a sentence, there is no need for a comma

Multiple Choice

My momma always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get."

What comma rule is this?

• #1 FANBOYS

• #2 SWABIs

• #3 Interruptions

• #4 Dialogue/Direct Quote

• #5 Lists

Dialogue and Commas

• Use commas when introducing a quotation, when finishing a quotation, or BOTH!

• See the image for how dialogue can be formatted

Multiple Choice

From the moment you rain into the maze, I knew I would follow you anywhere.

What comma rule is this?

• #1 FANBOYS

• #2 SWABIs

• #3 Interruptions

• #4 Dialogue/Direct Quote

• #5 Lists

Prepositions and Commas

• Use commas to separate phrases or groups of words that "interrupt" the original sentence

• These phrases usually start with a Preposition

Multiple Choice

I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny lifeboats.

What comma rule is this?

• #1 FANBOYS

• #2 SWABIs

• #3 Interruptions

• #4 Dialogue/Direct Quote

• #5 Lists

FANBOYS and Commas

• When TWO sentences are joined together by a FANBOYS, use a comma before the conjunction

• FANBOYS may occur in a sentence, but if it is not joining together TWO sentences, there is NO NEED FOR A COMMA