Commas Interrupters

Yes, I can go to the dance this weekend.

• Introductory clause/phrase

• Direct address

• Nonessentials

• Interrupters

I am not, by the way, impressed by your collection.

• Compound sentences

• Interrupters

• Special terms

• Nonessentials

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• James let the doctor know you are allergic to milk.

• James, let the doctor know you are allergic to milk.

• James let the, doctor, know you are allergic to milk.

• James let the doctor know, you are allergic to milk.

In which sentence are commas used correctly?

• Spaghetti, a thin pasta, can be served with different sauces.

• Spaghetti a thin pasta can be served with different sauces.

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

• My daughter who was her class valedictorian will attend UVA.

• My daughter, who was her class valedictorian, will attend UVA.

• My daughter who was her class valedictorian, will attend UVA.

• My daughter, who was her class valedictorian will attend UVA.

Which one is correct?

• Tell me Camille, about, your date.

• Tell me, Camille about your date.

• Tell me, Camille, about your date.

Which is an example of commas around interrupters?

• Mr. Dodson took Latin, Mrs. Larking took French, Ms. Goad took Spanish, and Mr. Wyler took Japanese.

• The big bad wolf, dressed as grandma, was covered head to toe to hide his true appearance.

• I want to get good grades, for college admission requirements.

• Please, don't touch the dinosaur.

Use a comma before and after a word used as an interrupter, such as however.

• The dog, however, still needs to be taken outside.

• The dog however, still needs to be taken outside.

Choose the correct version of the sentence.

• The dinosaur by the way is extinct.

• The dinosaur, by the way, is extinct.

• The dinosaur by, the way, is extinct.

• The dinosaur by the way, is, extinct.

Is the following underlined phrase or clause essential or nonessential?

The United States' unique mix of ideas and cultures, which comes from all over the world, has helped to make this nation diverse and interesting.

• essential

• nonessential