Comma Practice

**from Advanced Expository Techniques by Dr. Ben Varner, Ph.D. University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.

A. Put a comma after a dependent clause (fragment--clause that cannot stand on its own) that is followed immediately by an independent clause (a complete sentence):

Example: Since it had rained all day, the ground was wet.

Exercises: insert the comma when needed:

1. After the rain the sun shown brightly

2Before you leave you need to take out the trash

3As far as I can see you are doing very well

4Since I ran around all day my feet are tired.

B. Put a comma between two independent clauses (two complete sentences) that are joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS):

Example: I went to the store, but I forgot to buy milk

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. Juan and Marcie decided to get married yet they are going to wait a year.

  1. I went to the store and I bought milk and cookies.
  2. Dr. Smith is going to give money to charity and donate her time.

C. Put commas between words, phrases, or clauses that are in a series (a series consists of three or more):

Example: She walked into the house, threw her coat on the chair, and went to the

frig.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. Jacques bought apples oranges limes and mangoes for his salad.

  1. Be sure to bring a tent sleeping bag and warm clothes for the retreat.
  2. Susan brought wrapping paper and tape to help with the decorations.
  3. Steve Martin’s Christmas wish is to have all the children sing thirty million dollars and power over all.

D. Put commas before and after modifiers (one word or a group of words) that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (nonessential or nonrestrictive modifiers):

Examples: My sister, Aly, graduated from Harvard.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. The motorcycle gleaming in the sun was the first thing he wanted.

  1. Albany which is the capital of New York is located in the eastern part of the state.
  2. Dr. Loyal a professor of science taught my physics class.

E. Put commas around words that are out of the normal word order (subject-verb-object), around sentence modifiers (for example, unfortunately, on the other hand, etc.) and around conjunctive adverbs (therefore, however, consequently, etc):

Example: I would like, however, to go on the trip.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. On the other hand I think I will go.

  1. Shelia however hates spiders.
  2. Mark and Luke consequently are the best players on the team.
  3. A.J. I think you need to leave.

F. Put commas between adjectives that independently describe nouns and pronouns (coordinate adjectives) Hint: if you can put ‘and’ between the adjectives, you need to put a comma between the adjectives-if in doubt do not put in a comma.

Examples: My dog is a soft, cuddly puppy.

Exercises: insert comma when needed or “and” to correct the sentence:

1. The yellow green car is ugly.

  1. The Beatles lived in a metal yellow submarine.
  2. Tome ate all the sweet sour candy.
  3. Red yellow tulips grace our yard.

G. Put commas in dates, addresses, and titles: **When only month and year are listed do not use the comma:

Examples: November 19, 2002, is the date for the conference.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. Tyrone lives at 1123 S. Timberlane DrivePhoenixArizona.

  1. September 11 2001 will live in infamy as will December 7 1941.
  2. Dr. Lloyd a cancer specialist will present her research at the conference.
  3. October 27 1964 is my birthday.

H. Put commas around direct contrasts and short questions and after interjections and adverbs such as yes and no.

Examples: You were there, weren’t you?

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

No I hate chocolate

Well I guess so.

Yes John Jacob Jinglehimer Schmitt is my name, too.

Huh I don’t understand the question.

I. Put commas around names or words used in direct address (when someone is speaking directly to someone else):

Examples: I think it is time we went on vacation, Sara.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. George take out the trash.

  1. We need to finish our project Jill.
  2. You need to clean Jerrah the mess in the dining area.
  3. Larry I am tired of your complaints.

J. Put commas around phrases like he said, she replied, they yelled when they are attached to quotations:

Examples: The protesters yelled, “Down with Dunmore!”

**Note: If the phrase is between two independent clauses within quotations marks, do not use a second comma (that would be a comma splice)-instead a semicolon or period. For Example: “We cannot finish this job,” the supervisor said; “you did not put the engine back in.”

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

  1. Please hurry the manager yelled I need that deposition!
  2. She replied I guess I could set some time aside to help.
  3. Don’t worry be happy he said.

K. Put commas around absolute phrases (a phrase that modifies the whole sentence and can be put anywhere in the sentence.

Examples: Taking advantage of his offer to help me, I finished the letter.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. I left early for class my friends having warned me of the weather.

  1. Going down the elevator picked up speed.
  2. I doubt our family would have come to visit their vacation would not come for another month.

L. Put a comma in a sentence when necessary for clarity:

Example: Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.

Exercises: insert comma when needed:

1. “Do or do not there is no try”-Yoda

  1. One sings and the other dances.
  2. “Come on baby light my fire” -Doors