A comma is a

punctuation mark.
It tells us to take a
short pause when
we are reading
not as long as a full
stop.
It is the most
common
punctuation mark
but has to be used
carefully.
Commas can change the meaning of a
sentence
The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver,
paper, hats, clocks and tablecloths.

The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver
paper, hats, clocks and tablecloths.

The old lady collected all sorts of things: silver,
paper hats, clocks and tablecloths.
Uses of commas
1. To separate 3 or more items in a list
The girl needed jewelry, dresses, shoes and make
up.
Uses of commas
1. To separate 3 or more items in a list
Complete this sentence using at least three
commas:
He bought
Uses of commas
2. After a dependent clause at the beginning of
a sentence. Dependent clauses start with
When, While, If, After, Before, etc.
Uses of commas
2. After a dependent clause at the beginning of
a sentence. Dependent clauses start with
When, While, If, After, Before, etc.
Uses of commas
2. After a dependent clause at the beginning of
a sentence. Dependent clauses start with
When, While, If, After, Before, etc.
Uses of commas
3. To separate any extra information that is
added
Uses of commas
4. After a persons name when we are
talking to him
Uses of commas
5. After introductory words like Yes, No,
Well in a sentence
Uses of commas
5. Between a day of the week and a month
and a day and a year
Uses of commas
6. Between street address and the city and
between the city and the state in an
address.
Uses of commas
7. To break up groups of numbers into
thousands.
.
Uses of commas
8. Inside speech marks.
Summary Commas
Show a brief pause within a sentence
Separate items in a list
Separate additional information
Break up longer sentences into smaller parts
Break up numbers into thousands
Inside speech marks, dates, and address.




Read the following parts of a letter. Add commas
where they are needed.

1. How is your family Mr. Gleason?
2. My parents look forward to your visit as you know.
3. Sunday April 5 2007
4. Dear Mr. Gleason
Directions Add commas where they are needed in
the sentences.

5. The Lakeview an expensive restaurant requires
reservations.
6. We like hamburgers milkshakes and chow mein.
7. After we saw the movie we went out to dinner.
8. Our neighbors moved to 53 West Birman Street
Birmingham New York.