Commas for Pause or Separation

Comma Rules

The 4 basic comma rules (four i’s)

1. Items in a series- use commas to separate lists of three or more items, adjectives, etc.

2. Introductory phrases- use a comma to separate an introductory word or phrase from the rest of the sentence. 

3. Interruptions in a sentence- use commas to section out interruptions from the main sentence.

4. Independent clauses joined together- If you are combining two complete thoughts, you may add a comma and coordinating conjunction.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not one of the comma rules?

• Introductory phrases

• Items in a series

• Interruptions in a sentences

• Asking a question

​Items in a Series

You can use commas to separate three listed items or more in your sentences.

Example:
My dog loves going to the park, eating snacks, and playing with his siblings.

Non Example:
My dog loves snacks, and toys.

Note: When listing items, you want to make sure all your words match up! This is called Parallel structure

Example: My dog loves swimming, jumping, and sleeping.
Non Example: My dog loves to swim, jump, and sleeping.

Multiple Select

Which two sentences below are Incorrect?

• I love taking walks on the beach, pizza, and watching the sunset.

• I have to go to the store for eggs, milk, and butter.

• Oreo needs a bath, and haircut.

• Brittney's favorite things are swimming, dancing, and fishing.

Introductory Phrases

Introductory phrases are phrases that add information to a sentences, but cannot stand alone. They are set off with a comma and have a natural pause.

Examples:
While washing the dishes, Sally heard the baby cry.
Because the car needed gas, we stopped a a gas station.

Interruptions in a sentence

Commas can be used to separate phrases that interrupt a sentence.
If the interruption is adding information to a noun in the sentence, it is called an appositive phrase.

Examples:
John, the man next door, is a retired firefighter. (Appositive phrase)
The man, however, did not remember due to his traumatic brain injury.

Open Ended

Write your own sentence with commas separating an interrupter.

Independent Clauses Joined Together

You can use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOY) to combine two Independent clauses.

Example:
My dog Oreo loves snacks, so he is a bit overweight.
I want to go to the game tonight, but I have to clean my room.

Note:
You have to have a coordinating conjunction with your comma! Otherwise, it is not strong enough to combine to complete sentences.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is correctly combining two independent clauses with a comma?

• The weather outside is cold, I hate the snow.

• Fall is my favorite season, so I started decorating!

• Although I love snow, I hate wet socks.

Open Ended

Write your own sentence using a comma and coordinating conjunction to combine two independent clauses.