English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Commas: review
Commas: review
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Correctly use commas to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
Use commas to set off introductory elements such as words, phrases, and dependent clauses.
Use a pair of commas to set off nonessential (nonrestrictive) clauses and phrases.
Correctly place commas in a series and between coordinate adjectives.
Identify and correct common comma errors, including the comma splice.
Apply comma rules to enhance clarity and style in their own analytical and argumentative writing.
Ever read a sentence that made no sense, only to realize a single misplaced comma was the culprit? 🧐 Let's become masters of this powerful little mark.
This tutorial is a comprehensive review of the most critical comma rules you'll need for high...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.The author uses foreshadowing to build suspense.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.Because the protagonist ignored the warning.
Coordinating ConjunctionA word that joins words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. The seven are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (FANBOYS).The setting is bleak, *but* the characters retain their hope.
Introductory ElementA word, phrase, or clause that appears at the beginning of a sentence before the main independent clause.*In the final act of the play*, the conflict reaches its clima...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule 1: Joining Independent Clauses
Independent Clause + , + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS) + Independent Clause.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it joins two complete sentences. This structure is essential for creating complex, analytical statements.
Rule 2: Setting Off Introductory Elements
Introductory Word/Phrase/Clause + , + Independent Clause.
Use a comma after an introductory word (e.g., 'However'), a series of prepositional phrases, a participial phrase, or a dependent clause that comes before the main clause. This helps the reader navigate the sentence structure.
Rule 3: Setting Off Nonessential Elements
Use a pair of commas to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the m...
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Challenging
Evaluate the following thesis statement for comma usage, clarity, and style. Which version is the most effective and grammatically correct?
A.In the poem, the speaker uses the metaphor of a journey to explore themes of resilience and hope, for she believes that personal growth is achieved through adversity.
B.In the poem, the speaker uses the metaphor of a journey, to explore themes of resilience and hope, she believes that personal growth is achieved through adversity.
C.In the poem the speaker uses the metaphor of a journey to explore themes of resilience, and hope, and she believes that personal growth is achieved through adversity.
D.In the poem, the speaker uses the metaphor of a journey to explore themes of resilience and hope, because she believes that personal growth is achieved through adversity.
Challenging
Consider the two sentences: 1. The character who shows remorse is forgiven. 2. The character, who shows remorse, is forgiven. How does the presence or absence of commas change the meaning?
A.There is no change in meaning; the commas are optional for style.
B.Sentence 1 implies there is only one character, while Sentence 2 implies there are many.
C.Sentence 1 implies there are other characters who do not show remorse, while Sentence 2 implies there is only one character being discussed, and that character happens to show remorse.
D.Sentence 1 is a comma splice, while Sentence 2 is grammatically correct.
Challenging
Read the following passage of literary analysis and identify which sentence contains a comma error. (1) The symbolism in the novel is rich and varied. (2) For example the recurring image of the broken mirror represents the protagonist's fractured identity. (3) This symbol appears at key moments, and it forces the reader to question the narrator's reliability. (4) Ultimately, the author's skillful use of symbolism, a common literary device, elevates the entire work.
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
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