Commas, Dashes, and Parentheses

Which one of the following sentences uses commas correctly?

• James, are you listening to me?

• James, are you, listening to me?

• James are you listening, to me?

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which of the following DOES NOT use a comma correctly?

• The party will have candy, costumes, scary clowns, and a surprise.

• The party, starting at five, will last until 10pm.

• Their favorite class English, is only 45 minutes long.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which one of the following sentences uses dashes correctly?

• The Steelers--like always-beat the Browns.

• The Steelers like always--beat the Browns.

• The Steelers like-always--beat the Browns.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Which of the following sentences INCORRECTLY uses dashes?

• Everyone knows that coffee--is for old people.

• English, math, science, history-- you have a busy schedule.

• Two new teachers--Miss Conrad and Mr. Powell--started this year.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Which of the following correctly uses parentheses?

• The Batman a superhero movie will be released (this year).

• The Batman (a superhero movie) will be released this year.

• (The Batman) a superhero movie will be released this year.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence DOES NOT use parentheses correctly?

• The faucet (in the kitchen) is dripping.

• The students (6th graders) are very energetic.

• The (gray) cat belongs to the wicked witch.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

Fix this sentence: Mrs. Yingling the principal used to teach math.

• Mrs. Yingling, the principal used to teach math.

• Mrs. Yingling, the principal, used to teach math.

• Mrs. Yingling--the principal--used to teach math.

• Mrs. Yingling the principal used to teach (math).

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Fix this sentence: Mr. Andrews will work today not on Saturday.

• Mr. Andrews, will work, today not on Saturday.

• Mr. Andrews will work today, not on Saturday.

• Mr. Andrews, will work, today, not on Saturday.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

THE EASIEST WAY TO KNOW WHEN TO USE A COMMA IS WHEN ______

• it makes the sentence look better

• there is a pause

• when you don't want to overuse periods

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A