Comma Kazi Lesson 1

Assignment:

Section 1.1 (25 pts.)
For these ten sentences, place commas where they are required or write “correct” if no commas are needed. Then state why/ which rule you are using to do so.

1. We hurried to the airport, but we still missed our flight.

1. Compound Sentence Rule: When Independent clauses are connected by conjunctions, (but, and, yet, for, so nor, neither) a comma comes before the conjunction.

Compound Sentence: Made up of at least two independent clauses and separated by a conjunction


2. If I ever meet the President, I will be sure to get his autograph.

2. Dependent (Subordinate) Clause Rule:
When a dependent/subordinate clause comes before the main clause of a sentence, it usually has a comma after it. If the dependent/subordinate clause comes at the end of the sentence, it will have the comma beforehand.

Dependent clause: Has a subject and a verb but does not make sense as an independent thought


3. I picked up the book that was on the floor.
Correct

3. Essential/Restrictive Rule: There is no comma before or after an essential phrase or clause.

Relative clause: A dependent clause that is introduced by a relative pronoun (which, that, who, etc.)


4. Sara bought a new car and drove it home.

1. Compound Sentence Rule: When Independent clauses are connected by conjunctions, (but, and, yet, for, so nor, neither) a comma comes before the conjunction.

Independent Clause: has a subject and verb and can stand alone as an independent thought


5. Mark liked the concert, but he felt the music was too loud.

1. Compound Sentence Rule: When Independent clauses are connected by conjunctions, (but, and, yet, for, so nor, neither) a comma comes before the conjunction.

Compound Sentence: Made up of at least two independent clauses and separated by a conjunction


6. I bought a new towel, which was purple with yellow flowers.

4. Non-essential/Non-restrictive Rule: A non-essential phrase or clause is set off by commas. Think of this rule as the exact opposite of the Essential Rule.

A clause or phrase that adds description but is not critical to the meaning of a sentence.


7. While driving to work, I saw my neighbor in his new car.

2. Dependent (Subordinate) Clause Rule:
When a dependent/subordinate clause comes before the main clause of a sentence, it usually has a comma after it. If the dependent/subordinate clause comes at the end of the sentence, it will have the comma beforehand.

Main clause: An independent clause to which a dependent clause is subordinate.

8. Carol picked some flowers, so she could decorate her living room.          

1. Compound Sentence Rule: When Independent clauses are connected by conjunctions, (but, and, yet, for, so nor, neither) a comma comes before the conjunction.

Compound Sentence: Made up of at least two independent clauses and separated by a conjunction


9. I met the woman who was teaching my son’s class.

3. Essential/Restrictive Rule: There is no comma before or after an essential phrase or clause.

Relative clause: A dependent clause that is introduced by a relative pronoun (which, that, who, etc.)


10. I went home where I decided to take a nap.
 
4. Non-essential/Non-restrictive Rule: A non-essential phrase or clause is set off by commas. Think of this rule as the exact opposite of the Essential Rule.

A clause or phrase that adds description but is not critical to the meaning of a sentence.






Section 1.2 Correct the paragraph. (25 pts.)
Using the four rules we learned in this lesson, please add or subtract commas from the short paragraph below.

        The two spinster sisters shared all of the chores of the household. Megan who was older liked to run the dish washer, which had been bought the year before. Kara, who was younger preferred to wash the laundry that piled up each week. When they were done with their separate chores they would often work together on the yard work. Megan would weed the garden, and Kara would plant tomato seeds. When they were tired they would go inside for some tea and crackers. Megan always wiped down the table after their snack, so they wouldn’t leave any crumbs. She liked to keep the kitchen tidy and have it ready for dinnertime. When the day’s work was done the two women would sit in the living room together, and Kara would pull out a book to read.




Section 1.3 Writing Exercise: (25 pts.)
Write two sentences for each rule and use commas correctly in them. Be sure to state which rule you are using. Since we have only learned four rules so far, try to keep your sentences simple.

1. Compound Sentence Rule: When Independent clauses are connected by conjunctions, (but, and, yet, for, so, nor, neither) a comma comes before the conjunction.
The book is missing a page yet still readable.

The cows aren’t in the pasture, but they are coming down the lane.

2. Dependent (Subordinate) Clause Rule:
When a dependent/subordinate clause comes before the main clause of a sentence, it usually has a comma after it. If the dependent/subordinate clause comes at the end of the sentence, it will have the comma beforehand.

I want the red delicious apple, when I eat my popcorn.

When it rains, I will call the roof repair guy to see the water drip from ceiling.

3. Essential/Restrictive Rule: There is no comma before or after an essential phrase or clause.

The cat was scared out of his wits.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are delicious.

4. Non-essential/Non-restrictive Rule: A non-essential phrase or clause is set off by commas. Think of this rule as the exact opposite of the Essential Rule.

Ruined by the terrible fire, the jet landed inside the safe zone.

He mowed the grass, in the sunshine,  but the blade was too dull.