Commas Lesson

A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence.

Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader.

Remember that an “item” may refer to a noun, verb, or adjective phrase. 

Examples: 

I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce, and bread. 

Carlos wants to visit Paris, Italy, Germany, and China.

Note: The comma should come before the conjunction. 

Example:

I want to buy the new jacket, but it is too expensive. 

In this example, there are two independent clauses: 

#1: “I want to buy the new jacket.” (complete thought) 

#2 “It is too expensive.” (complete thought) 

These clauses are separated by a comma before the conjunction “but”. 

Here are some examples of sentences with dependent and independent clauses: 

1) When I get older, I will be able to drive.

→ (Dependent), (Independent). 

2) If you are good, I will buy you a toy.

→ (Dependent), (Independent). 

More examples: 

Without water, the plant will die. 

In five minutes, the building will be closed. 

When I get home, I am going to brush my teeth. 

My brother, a 26 year old male, is watching TV. 

Amy Rivers, my best friend, is going to the mall today. 

I am ready for my dad, a hard working man, to come home. 

My mother, on the other hand, does not like chocolate.

“We need to buy more sugar,” she said, “before it runs out!” 

“I am tired,” he muttered.

He said, “We need to lower taxes!” 

“Today will be rainy,” the weatherman said with a frown. 

Hi, how are you? 

John, I would like more water please. 

Sorry, we do not have enough room. 

Well, I hope the problem will be fixed soon.

Unfortunately, we do not have enough time.

I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

We are moving to Spokane, Washington.

I visited Florence, Italy last summer.

The hurricanes hit Tulsa, Oklahoma and Destin, Florida. 

Today is Thursday, April 18, 1943. 

Tomorrow will be Sunday, December 2.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. 

I will be sixteen on Tuesday, the 6th of July, 1582.