English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Commas: review
Commas: review
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Correctly use commas to join independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions in compound and compound-complex sentences.
Accurately punctuate introductory clauses, phrases, and words.
Distinguish between restrictive and nonrestrictive elements, using commas to set off non-essential information.
Integrate quotations and parenthetical citations into research writing using appropriate comma placement.
Identify and correct comma splices and run-on sentences in their own analytical writing.
Apply the Oxford (serial) comma consistently when listing items in a series.
Consider this sentence: 'Let's eat, Grandpa!' vs. 'Let's eat Grandpa!' How does one tiny comma save a life and completely alter meaning? 🤯
This tutorial is a comp...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words containing a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.In 'Things Fall Apart', Okonkwo's fear of failure consumes him.
Dependent (Subordinate) ClauseA group of words containing a subject and a verb that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It often begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, when, since).Although he was a respected leader, Okonkwo was ruled by fear.
Nonrestrictive Clause/PhraseA clause or phrase that adds non-essential information to a sentence. If removed, the core meaning of the sentence remains intact. It is always set off by commas.Okonkwo, who was a famous wrestler in his youth, despised his fa...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule 1: Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Independent Clause + , + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS) + Independent Clause.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) when it connects two independent clauses. This is the most common way to form a compound sentence.
Rule 2: Commas with Introductory Elements
Introductory Element + , + Independent Clause.
Use a comma to separate an introductory word, phrase, or dependent clause from the main independent clause that follows. This rule helps readers know where the main part of the sentence begins.
Rule 3: Commas with Nonrestrictive Elements
Beginning of Sentence, + Nonrestrictive Element, + Rest of Sentence.
Use a pair of commas to enclose clauses, phrases, and words that are not e...
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Challenging
In a research paper, which sentence correctly punctuates a quotation, a parenthetical citation, and a coordinating conjunction?
A.One critic states, “The novel is a triumph of realism” (Smith 88), and this perspective is widely shared.
B.One critic states, “The novel is a triumph of realism,” (Smith 88) and this perspective is widely shared.
C.One critic states, “The novel is a triumph of realism” (Smith 88) and, this perspective is widely shared.
D.One critic states, “The novel is a triumph of realism,” (Smith 88), and this perspective is widely shared.
Challenging
Consider these two sentences: 1. 'The author's son, Leo, became a writer as well.' 2. 'The author's son Leo became a writer as well.' What is the most logical inference based on the comma usage?
A.Sentence 1 implies the author has only one son. Sentence 2 implies the author has more than one son.
B.Sentence 1 implies the author has multiple sons. Sentence 2 implies the author has only one son.
C.Sentence 1 is grammatically incorrect, while Sentence 2 is correct.
D.There is no difference in meaning between the two sentences; the comma is optional.
Challenging
Which option best combines the following three sentences into a single, grammatically sophisticated sentence using commas correctly? 'Gilgamesh was a powerful king. He feared his own mortality. He embarked on a quest for eternal life.'
A.Gilgamesh was a powerful king, and he feared his own mortality, so he embarked on a quest for eternal life.
B.Gilgamesh, a powerful king, feared his own mortality, and embarked on a quest for eternal life.
C.Fearing his own mortality, Gilgamesh, a powerful king, embarked on a quest for eternal life.
D.powerful king, Gilgamesh feared his own mortality, he embarked on a quest for eternal life.
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