Commas with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections, interrupters, and antithetical phrases

Learning Objectives Identify a direct address in a sentence. Place a comma correctly after an introductory word like 'Yes' or 'Well'. Use a comma after an interjection like 'Wow' or 'Oh'. Place commas around an interrupter in a sentence. Use a comma to separate contrasting ideas in a 'not this, but that' sentence. Read a sentence aloud, pausing at the commas. Have you ever wanted to pause in a sentence? 🤔 A comma is like a little stop sign for readers! We will learn about a special punctuation mark called a comma. It helps us know when to take a little breath when we read. This makes our sentences clear and easy to understand. Real-World Applications Writing a friendly letter to a classmate. Telling a story about your...

TermDefinitionExample Comma ,A little mark that tells you to take a short pause when reading.The apple is red, not green. Direct Address 👋When you say someone's name to get their attention in a sentence.Leo, can you please pass the crayon? Introductory Word 👉A word at the very beginning of a sentence that needs a pause after it.Yes, I would like a cookie. Interjection 😮A short word that shows a big feeling, like surprise or excitement!Wow, that is a tall tower! Interrupter 🤫A word or phrase that 'interrupts' the main idea of the sentence.My cat, of course, loves to sleep in the sun. Antithetical Phrase (Not This, But That) 🍎🍊A phrase that shows a difference between two things.I wanted the blue ball, not the red one.

The Name Rule (Direct Address) Name, [rest of sentence]. OR [Start of sentence], name. Use a comma to separate the name of the person you are talking to from the rest of the sentence. The Starter Word Rule (Introductory & Interjection) Starter Word, [rest of sentence]. Put a comma right after a starting word like 'Yes', 'No', 'Well', 'Oh', or 'Wow'. The Interrupter Rule [Start of sentence], interrupter, [end of sentence]. Put commas around a phrase that interrupts the main thought, like a little secret whispered in the middle. The Choice Rule (Antithetical) [First idea], not [second idea]. Use a comma to show a choice or difference, usually before the word 'not' or 'but'.