You must understand the rules at owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02
to do well.
- Please post questions about commas at this blog.
- You must understand rules 1-5, 7, 9, 10.
- Complete exercise 1 at owl.english.purdue/exercises/3/5/15
- Click on the answers to find out if you did them correctly and if not, why not.
This will blog will be graded and exercises viewed in class on Thursday 12/10. Please bring notes on commas to class and exercise one with answers.
FEEL FREE TO DO ANY OR ALL OF THE OTHER EXERCISES ON COMMMAS FOR EXTRA CREDIT! VERY HELPFUL!
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/3/5/15
ReplyDeleteI was looking at rule number two when it said to use commas after an introductory clause. Would that be the same as a prepositional phrase? I can't really tell...
ReplyDeletePrepositions can be found on page 29 of the Grammar texet book and it doesn't mention anything about clauses, the only difference is that a prepositional phrase uses a preposiot wor such as at, on, off ect. A prepositon doen't have to introduce a topic although it can. To me an introductory clause is just a sentence that introduces a topic and can just be a normal independent clause due to the fact that there is nothing in the text book mentioning an introductory clause.
ReplyDeleteI hope this helps anyone who is confused.
Just to make sure, we're writing all the answers on a seperate peice of looseleaf paper, right?
ReplyDeleteI think so Shelly, I have no idea though?
ReplyDeleteI would just in case. Just making it clear-- introductory clauses ARE prepositional?
ReplyDeleteI think that introductory clauses are prepositional because, "Common introductory phrases include prepositional phrases, appositive phrases, participial phrases, infinitive phrases, and absolute phrases."
ReplyDeleteI got this from
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/03/
Does anyone know if we have to post the answers on this blog or on a separate sheet of paper?
ReplyDeleteIn rule #4, what do they mean by the essential and nonessetial elements of a sentence?
ReplyDeleteAlso, in rule #10, what is a "main discourse"?
Thanks Julio for the website.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if we have to post the answers on the blog or on a separate sheet of paper?
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura for asking!
So you can't start with an introductory clauses right? If i start with an independent clause and put a comma before the dependent clause that start with the words after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.Would be right for doing that?
ReplyDelete-LauraAshley
ReplyDelete"Discourse " means someone's thought or idea. So... Rule ten says, "use a comma to shift between the main discourse." When a person is thinking of 2 different ideas in one sentence, then I guess you have to place a comma between the ideas. (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-discourse.htm)
I think it is easier if you see it in an example. I'm sorry I cannot think of situation for this rule (10).
-Micheal
I am pretty sure that you can start a sentence with an introductory phase but you'll need a comma after it.
For example: After I wrote my essay, my parents let me go on the computer.
Or: In my opinion, "New Moon" is the best movie.
I am not sure what are you trying to describe in your 2nd question. Can you give us an example?
I hope this comment help you guys. We should give examples about rules that we are not sure about. I feel we, as students, could learn the comma rules better if we do it with examples.
Can someone explain this rule thoroughly to me. I dont really get it. I would actually leave the commas there [for the incorrect examples], I think it's are correct as it is...
ReplyDelete12. Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.
Incorrect:An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult.
Incorrect:The most important attribute of a ball player, is quick reflex actions.
Grace- I believe that the makers of this site are correct as that being an incorrect statement. If you put the comma after the subject and then write something after it, it doesn't seem to flow too well or to make that much sense. For these examples, placing a comma after the subject can confuse someone and also add a pause that is necessarily not needed.
ReplyDeleteThat kinda helped...
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Grace - It is just correct as it is, there is no need to add in comma.
ReplyDeleteLauraAshley- I agree with you because it does not sound right when you read it out loud.
are the answers we write on looseleaf going to be collected?????
ReplyDeletethis practice website for commas was really helpful.....I only got 2 wrong on the excercise =)
ReplyDeleteWell, I took the excercise.
ReplyDeleteThere was a sentence that was very confusing.
"Vests which were once popular have been out of vogue for several years."
The correct answer was: "Vests, which were once popular, have been out of vogue for several years."
I thought we weren't suppose to put a comma before: because and which. But if we don't put a comma on this sentence before which, it won't make sense.
What are the rules for putting a comma before: because and which?
Non-related comma problem:
ReplyDeleteI thought we aren't suppose to start a sentence with: because, and; but
Anna - I thought you are not suppose to put a comma before because and which.
ReplyDeleteAna-
ReplyDeleteYou are not suppost to start with those words in the beginning of a sentence.
I do not really understand rule # 4. How do you know if the sentence has a essential element and a nonessential element? Can there be both of these elements in one sentence?
ReplyDeleteIn 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!"
ReplyDeleteI thought when a phrase is written in between two commas, the phrase can be taken out and the sentence can still make sense.
Julio-
ReplyDeleteA nonessential element is a word or phrase in a sentence that is not needed to complete the sentence. Basically, it is just fluff.
You can tell if a sentence has a nonessential element, as if the element in the sentence is removed, the meaning of the sentence does not change.
For example:
Nonessential: The average world temperature, however, has continued to rise significantly.
'However' is the element. It is nonessential, as if you took it out if the sentence, you would still understand the meaning of the sentence, which is that the average world temperature changed.
A essesential element is the opposite of a nonessential element, as if you removed it from the sentence, the meaning of the sentence would change.
For example:
Essential: The sixth-century philosopher Boethius was arrested, tortured, and bludgeoned to death.
'Boethius' is the element and it is essential, as if you removed it from the sentence, you would not know which sixth-century philosopher the sentence was referring to.
I hoped I helped you out and if you still get confused, here is the source where I recieved my examples from:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/05
Thanks Mat-
ReplyDeleteCan someone explain what is participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long preposition phrases?
In sentences like: The closet contained worn clothes, old shoes, and dirty hats; does there have to be a comma before "and"? I've seen some sentences that doesn't have a comma before "and" when it lists three or more things.
ReplyDeleteAlso, for rule #4, what is an essential and non-essential element? I don't understand what they are.
No problem, Julio.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the ninth sentence. It says, "The univited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit". I thought there should be a comma between dark blue and tweed, however this sentence is correct. Can someone please explain how.
ReplyDeleteJessica, the sight shows instances where the should be a comma before the "and", and others when there is not one. Ms. Karvunis said it was optional. She explained that older english rules say it is necessary while newer reasoning says it is not.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand this question
ReplyDeleteMark Twain's early novel I believe stand the test of time.
Correct one:Mark Twain's early novel, I believe, stand the test of time.
Here area my answers to the exercise:
ReplyDeletec
3
7
c
c
c
c
5
c
2
3
9
7
9
10
2
2
c
3
2
c
I only got 3 wrong! :]
Hey guys, I have a question. Do we take notes on looseleaf, then post the answers to the exercises on the blog? Or, do both on looseleaf?
ReplyDeleteI believe we do BOTH the notes and the answers on looseleaf, as I believe Mrs. Karvunis will be collecting it. I only think we need to ask or answer questions on this blog, but I'm not too sure.
ReplyDeleteOkay, thank you Matt.
ReplyDeleteNo problem.
ReplyDeleteStephanie -
ReplyDeleteFor that sentence, you don't need a comma between dark blue and tweed because it confuses the whole sentence. When you use a comma in a sentence to separate a bunch of adjectives, you need to add an "and" to display the last adjective and the noun. So, if you put a comma in that sentence then it would sound like this:
The uninvited guest wore a dark blue, tweed and suit". (incorrect)
I agree with Kevin and that sentence was confusing.
ReplyDeleteAre we suppost to do the comma exercises and thats it?
ReplyDelete1.4
ReplyDelete2.3
3.5
4.1
5.4
6.c
7.c
8.5
9.c
10.2
11.3
12.9
13.c
14.9
15.10
16.2
17.2
18.c
19.3
20.2
21.c
I got #1,#3,#5, and #13 wrong.
The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.
ReplyDeleteApparently that's correct. Shouldn't there be a commas between "dark blue" and "tweed"?
Where do we find the quiz?
ReplyDeleteSUMMARY
ReplyDelete1)Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet).
2)A. Use a comma to separate the introductory clauses, phrases, or words and the main clause (Hint: look for these words in the introductory clauses after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while). No comma goes after the main clause if the introductory clauses. B. I don’t understand 2B. Can someone help me?
C. Introductory words should be followed by a comma. (Hint: some introductory words are yes, however, well)
3)Help on number three.
4)I don’t understand number 4. Can someone help me?
5)Use a comma to separate a list.
(Example: I need to get the homework, the class notes, the worksheet, and retake the test)
6)NOT DONE!!!!!
7)A comma at the end of the sentence shows a pause in the sentence.
8)NOT DONE!!!!!
9)A comma goes after geographical names, date not moth or days, addresses, and titles in names.
10)Use commas to shift between quotes and discourse.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02
For this we have to
ReplyDelete1. post on the blog.
2. take the quiz.
3. take notes.
4. take the test in class.
Is that it i feel like i am missing something.
Danny - We're supposed to do exercise one and write notes on commas.
ReplyDeleteShelly - I don't really think there should be a comma. . "Dark blue" is an adjective The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suitand "tweed suit" is a phrase that goes together without the need of a comma.
I'm not sure if that helped, but I tried my best explaining.
Shelly- adding to what Sandy said, rule 5-you use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. I can say since dark blue is an adjective and tweed suit is a phrase therefore that would only be two words/phrases written in a series and we would not need to put a comma there. Hope i helped.
ReplyDeleteAllyson Pinto:
ReplyDelete"However, you may not be pleased with the results."
Is this statment a sentence fragment?
Jaafar-
ReplyDeleteRule 4- Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). This rule means to not use commas to seperate information that relates to the sentence. Ex.Students who cheat only harm themselves. In this example the relative information is the "who cheat" part because it relates to the sentence. According to the rule, you do not need to seperate that information from the sentence using a comma.
Hope i helped.
Allyson Pinto:
ReplyDeleteMy answers were: C,3,7,1,1,C,4,9,C,2,3,9,7,9,10,C,2,2,3,2, and C.
(I got 6 answers wronge)
Sarah, if you copy and paste Julio's link (the first comment) it will take you to the correct website.
ReplyDeleteThis sentence:
ReplyDeleteYou're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you?
Would taking out the comma still make sense?
You're one of the senator's close friends aren't you?
Im confuesed where do we find the information in which we can use as notes as we answer the exercies?
ReplyDelete~Denise
ReplyDeleteYou suppose to use the page she put up on the blog: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/ These are the rules of comma, you need to know to answer the exercise.
Are we suppose to write our own notes on commas however we want(like from the grammar book and the website) or just from the website?
ReplyDeleteIn the commas rules, for rule number four, I don't know the meaning of the word essential elements. However, after reading the given examples, I was able to comprehend the rule for number four. I think if you read the given examples, you'll understand rules better.
ReplyDeletePeiQing- I think you can write your own notes however you want. I'm combing both notes from the website and the grammer book.
I was wondering if anyone got rule #4. It says not to use a comma to set off esential elements, such as clause beginning with "that". What is an esential element?
ReplyDeleteHey guys!... What is an extreme contrast?
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy and Jared!
ReplyDeleteYes, can't find exteme contrast definition either.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast in the rule is, for example, "I got a high grade, not a low one". It shows the difference between two things. For further detail you can visit: http://grammartips.homestead.com/contrastcommas.html
ReplyDeleteSandy Wu's comment to the answer for Shelly's question, I like how she worded it. The way it was worded made me think about that question even more and she is right.
ReplyDelete9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
ReplyDeleteCan someone explain this rule? Most of my comma mistakes are in this one rule. Where do you put the commas in an address? I just find this rule very confusing. Can someone please help? Thank you ahead of time.
For using commas with addresses, you have to separate the street address from the city from the state. For example "1001 Boberson Street, Stevesville, North Carolina"
ReplyDeletewhat is supposed to be on the note sheet?
ReplyDeleteThere is something that I am confused about for commas. I can't understand why the first question is correct. Shouldn't there be a comma before the and since it is a conjunction. Isn't it considered a run-on?
ReplyDeleteI have a question/statement..
ReplyDeleteFor the note taking part number 2A says to put a comma after because when i thought you're never to put a comma after or before the word because.
Am I right?
Yes, I think you are right, Kristal. I don't think that a comma goes anywhere around the word "Because".
ReplyDeleteThanks Semir :]
ReplyDelete"Because" isn't a cunjunction. I remember getting a question wrong on the grammar quiz for putting a comma around the "Because" somewhere.
ReplyDeleteThe practice website is informative and benefitial! Im better understanding the rules for commas...it is alot though!
ReplyDeletequestion...are we suppose to write our answers to excercise one on the blog?
ReplyDeleteIf you want to. You don't have to. Just bring them in tommorow
ReplyDeleteThank you Semir for your help!! :)
ReplyDeleteNo Problem
ReplyDeleteI don't really understand rule:
ReplyDelete7. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.
I need help with this rule because I don't really understand what is meant by "contrasted coordinate elements". Can someone explain?
Thanks, Kassandra
ReplyDeleteto response to JENN-
ReplyDeletehttp://grammartips.homestead.com/contrastcommas.html
this website further explains how contrasted coordinate elements coexist with commas!
That helped me understand mor than I did. Thanks Taylor !
ReplyDeleteNo problem Jenn
ReplyDeleteDanny Perez said...
ReplyDeleteI don't understand this question
Mark Twain's early novel I believe stand the test of time.
Correct one:Mark Twain's early novel, I believe, stand the test of time.
Danny, it's like saying that you believe something. So like it's your opinion. If you took out the 'I believe' part it would still be a sentence like a perfect sentence you're just saying what you believe in.
example: This blog, I believe, is very helpful.
you could also say I believe this blog is very helpful.
anyway I really like the comma exercise thing its really helpful
for rule number 13 of commas two examples are given of incorrect ways of using the rule
ReplyDeletethe rule states not to put a comma between two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate.
what would be an example of using this rule in a correct way?
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteSo I keep mixing up rule number 7 which is to use a comma near the end of a sentence with other comma mistakes. Is there any way to know for sure when to use this rule.
For example:
I thought that the sentence
After surviving this ordeal the trapper felt relieved.
would fit under rule number 7 but it is actually rule number 2, can someone explain this?
Mona-
ReplyDeleteFor adresses, it should go like this:
(Number/Name), (City), (State/Country), (Zip Code).
For dates it should go like this:
(Month & Day),(Year).
I dont understand when you have a sentence with an address like 123 bob street MIami Florida where the comma would go, in between Miami and Florida or in between street or Miami or both? Can anyone help please?
ReplyDeleteShelly-
ReplyDeleteThe uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.
There is no need for a comma in this sentence because they are not describing more than one thing that the guest is wearing.
If the sentence said:
The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit glasses a tie and a yellow shirt.
then you would need a comma to separate all of these ideas.
You do not need a comma between dark and blue because the word "dark" is describing the color blue.
My answers are
ReplyDeleteC
4
6
1
C
C
2
5
C
2
4
9
7
9
10
2
2
C
3
2
1
I got 4 wrong
Kevin-
ReplyDeleteI think the comma just goes between Miami and Florida since rule number 9 states adresses except street numbers and names.
For Sarah, the difference between rule 2 and 7 is significant. In "after surviving this ordeal the trapper felt relieved" you can kind of understand how the part "after surviving this ordeal" is an introductory clause. It's really necessary but it starts off the sentence. In rule seven it's more like an obvious pause. For example, "the field was safe enough, wasn't it?". To make the transition from the start of the sentence to the ending question, there has to be a pause.
ReplyDeleteI have a question that have confused me for a while. When you have a sentence with many adjectives and the last two are stated, do you put the comma before and or do you leave it there?
ReplyDeleteEx: Gracefully, lightly, and daintily the ballerina moved across the stage.
or
Gracefully, lightly and daintily the ballerina moved across the stage.
Kevin- You put the comma after gracefully, before and and also after daintily. Since you're still listing how the ballerina moved across the stage, you have to put a comma. Also there's a comma after daintily because you're done with the list and also there is a pause after the word daintily.
ReplyDeleteJust to make sure.....if there is only the month and the year stated, no comma is needed in between them or after the year?
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what an essential clause is.
ReplyDeleteIs it simply extra details that are used to describe something more?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDaniela, this link clears up what an essential clause is.
ReplyDeletewww.chompchomp.com/terms/essentialclause.htm
You're basically right, though. An essential clause describes something more.
For Antonio's question
ReplyDeleteYou're right, no comma is needed.
for a sentence like:
On November 2009, we went on a trip.
& (When you use just the month and the year, no comma is necessary after the month or year
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:NITwnxPkJ64J:owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/+should+there+comma+between+month+year&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us