Commas

1. Commas Commas are used to separate parts of sentences, or to mark a short pause in a long sentence

2. Commas are used to separate items in a list The last but one item in a list is usually joined with the word ‘and’ instead of a comma. For example: We had chips, sausages, bacon and peas for lunch. A bride should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

3. Write out the following, putting in all the commas for lists. All other commas have been included. • I like to play with Jill Jan Joe and Brad. • I like red green blue and orange. • Kate Kim and Abbey joined the team. • Cumulus stratus and nimbus are all types of clouds • Don’t forget to empty the rubbish vacuum the carpet and clean the windows! • Students should concentrate listen and try hard to succeed • Would you rather have pizza chips or hot dogs?

4. Write out the following, putting in all the commas for lists. All other commas have been included. • ‘Did you know I got 100% in the English exam? I got 40% in reading 30% in spelling and 30% in punctuation. • Station announcer: ‘The train now arriving at platforms four five six seven and eight is coming in sideways! • Astrologer to client: ‘If you had been born two days later you would have been kind generous considerate and intelligent. • ‘Name five days of the week without saying “Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday or Friday”.’ • At the school camp, a contest was held for the oddest object found on the beach, and the result was – 1st Smith 2nd Jones 3rd Tims 4th Roberts ands 5th Jenkins.

5. Choose 3 from below and write full sentences about the following, including a list with commas: • The things in your pockets • The furniture in your bedroom • The people in your family • Things you like to do after school • Your favourite TV programmes • Your favourite foods

6. A great interactive game on using commas in your new job!http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/punctuation/commas/game.shtml

7. Commas are used to separate terms of address from the main part of the sentence Commas are used to a separate name, title or description inside a sentence, for example: My dears, I’m delighted to see you Answer the phone, Sally! I regret to say, ladies and gentlemen, that our play tonight is cancelled

8. Where do commas fit into these sentences? Mrs Smith anxious mother of young Jimmy Smith to the Headmaster: ‘Headmaster I want my son to stop learning French.’ ‘That Madam will present no difficulty whatsoever.’ ‘I say Nurse what would it take to make you give me a kiss?’ ‘You Charlie? Chloroform!’ You can do this as a class for practise!

9. Your turn! • You look very pale Sally • Have you met my mother Mr Ponting? • What do you think Emma? • No Sir I’m not chewing gum. • Some conjurers say that three is a magic number dear boy. • Dad Dr Brainstorm the head of the Department of Psychiatry at the hospital has diagnosed me with chronic naivety!

10. 7. The botany lecturer a very experienced tutor took the class. 8. A young lady whose name was Jones went to a newly opened branch of her bank to cash a cheque. She went to the counter of Miss Smith a senior cashier and presented her cheque 9. Young man who do you think you are? 10. Mary can you tell me what a simile is? 11. Good morning Madam! 12. The freckled child Rupert Black jumped.

11. Here’s a mix of sentences with lists and terms of address • Robert when will you arrive? • Time for another talk Jim! • I find you completely arrogant over-confident and a general waste of space! • Come here James and pick up your mess. • You don’t know what you’re talking about idiot! • She grabbed a handful of Mars bars chewy sweets and bubblegum and went to the counter. • The room was dirty smelly and very dark. • Sweetie can you get that for me?

12. Check your answers! • Robert, when will you arrive? • Time for another talk, Jim! • I find you completely arrogant, over-confident and a general waste of space! • Come here, James, and pick up your mess. • You don’t know what you’re talking about, idiot! • She grabbed a handful of Mars bars, chewy sweets and bubblegum and went to the counter. • The room was dirty, smelly and very dark. • Sweetie, can you get that for me?

13. Commas separate short asides and additions from the rest of the sentence. For example: Well, I will do what I can. It’s very cold today, isn’t it? His excuse, for what it’s worth, is that he forgot.

14. Try these as a class… • You should of course wash your hands before you handle food. You should, of course, wash your hands before you handle food. • Yes Katy is here. Yes, Katy is here. • It’s the 23rd isn’t it? • It’s the 23rd, isn’t it?

15. Your turn! • Yes I like the car. • No it’s not too red. • I shouldn’t eat the cake should I? • Well then shall we sign the papers? • Oh what a beautiful day! • That’s a bit harsh isn’t it? • He said he would arrive today however I don’t believe him. • Still I can’t believe it! • The man fell to the floor and as you can well imagine he found himself in considerable pain. • I was of course disgusted by his behaviour.

16. Check your answers • Yes, I like the car. • No, it’s not too red. • I shouldn’t eat the cake, should I? • Well then, shall we sign the papers? • Oh, what a beautiful day! • That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? • He said he would arrive today, however, I don’t believe him. • Still, I can’t believe it! • The man fell to the floor, and as you can well imagine, he found himself in considerable pain. • I was, of course, disgusted by his behaviour.

17. Here’s a mix of all the types of commas we’ve looked at so far… • Wow that painting you did is amazing! • Her room is always a mess however she tries to be tidy. • The spoons spatula and whish belong in the top drawer. 4. We yawn when we are tired sleepy or bored. 5. According to legend a mermaid is a young girl with the tail of a fish. 6. Hey do you think it will be a nice day tomorrow? • He walked into the room said hello poured himself a drink and sat down. • Matthew please pick that pen up! • Kym Parnell the Head of English marched into the room. • I like sausages on the other hand I also like vegetarian food.

18. Check your answers • Wow, that painting you did is amazing! • Her room is always a mess, however, she tries to be tidy. • The spoons, spatula, and whisk belong in the top drawer. • 4. We yawn when we are tired, sleepy or bored. • 5. According to legend, a mermaid is a young girl with the tail of a fish. • 6. Hey, do you think it will be a nice day tomorrow? • He walked into the room, said hello, poured himself a drink and sat down. • Matthew, please pick that pen up! • Kym Parnell, the Head of English, marched into the room. • I like sausages, on the other hand, I also like vegetarian food.

19. Commas can also be used to mark a short pause, or to add extra information For example: The play that we’re seeing tonight is about a middle-aged man who has been fascinated by orchids all his life and who is now obsessed with growing the biggest orchid in the world, even though this has cost him his job and his family. If they are not here by seven, we shall start without them.

20. Write out the sentences, adding commas where needed • People like peaches and pears grow sweet a little while before they begin to decay. • He is a strong healthy man. • There is nothing absolutely nothing a man cannot forget except himself. • Will you Kate take William to be your lawfully wedded husband? • The law in its majestic equality forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under the arches. • Do you hate running? Well things could change.

21. 7. My estate is to be split equally among my son daughter and wife. 8. Yes Doctor I will. 9. I am as you have probably noticed very uncomfortable about this. 10. I would therefore like a response. 11. Let me know now if you need to leave early. 12. You may be required to bring a sleeping bag pans warm clothing and a torch. 13. I can go can’t I? 14. I have painted the entire house but he is still working on sanding the doors. 15. On February 14th many couples exchanges gifts.

22. Using a Camera(add the commas) Using a camera we are told is the most popular route into art. However as well as being creative photos are a great way to keep memories. Most of us have a photo album at home. In the old days when I was young taking pictures was hard work. Now with new cameras it’s easy. You just point and shoot. Digital cameras although expensive are really easy to use. You don’t even have to print off pictures you don’t like. You can delete your mistakes before anyone else sees them. Now we can all look like experts.