Commas: Set off dependent clauses.

Language Convention.

Grammar: Commas.

CCSS.

ELA.6.L.2a: Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.

Learning Objectives

Recognize Commas.

Use Comma Correctly.

Essential Question

What is the importance of using Comma?

Analyze the Picture.

comma is used to communicate the correct meaning. Without it, it may convey the wrong idea.

Using commas or other punctuation incorrectly causes confusion and misunderstanding. For example, comma splices incorrectly connect two independent clauses without a conjunction such as and or but.

Commas have different usages, however, this lesson focusses mainly on setting off a dependent clause.

Dependent Clause: is a clause that can't stand by its own and requires another clause (independent) to make it stand.

Examples of dependent clauses:

Introductory phrases: Prepositional phrase.

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition such as to, for, or under. It ends with a noun or pronoun. Prepositional phrases may begin a sentence.

Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase.

Example:

On the stage, the students performed an amazing dance.

Introductory clauses.

As you've known, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause, however, cannot.

Chris stuffed his books into his backpack before he left school. (Independent Clause)

When a dependent clause begins a sentence, it is an introductory clause.

As she hurried out to the bus, Leah saw Randy waiting for her.

Here are some of the words you may see at the start of an introductory clause. Select each word to see it used in a sentence.

Multiple Choice

Where can you put the comma in the following sentence?

After the dull train ride we were glad to be home.

• glad,

• ,train

• ride,

Multiple Choice

In the middle of the night I awoke with a start.

• night,

• middle,

• awoke,

Multiple Choice

After soccer practice with the other class we left the field.

• with the other class we

• with the other class. We

• with the other class, we

• Correct as is