Comma Rule 1
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The document discusses Comma Rule 1, which states that a comma should be used when a sentence begins with an extra idea, not a subject. An extra idea is something that is incomplete and does not start with a person, place or thing. The rule is explained through examples of sentences with and without leading extra ideas. Readers are prompted to identify which sentences in examples need commas based on this rule.
Comma Rule 1
- 1. Writing Better Sentences: Comma Rule 1 by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 2. Writing Better Sentences: Comma Rule 1 by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 3. Most professional sentences are based on three comma rules.
- 4. Master these three comma rules, and you can write professional sentences.
- 5. Here’s Comma Rule 1, which covers most of the sentences you’ll be writing:
- 6. Use a comma when a sentence begins with an extra idea.
- 7. Everything you say or write is either a sentence or an extra idea. Everything.
- 8. Sentences have two qualities. 1. They’re complete. 2. They begin with a person, place, or thing.
- 9. Notice that these sentences begin with a person, place, or thing:
- 10. Extra ideas AREN’T complete. They DON’T begin with a person, place, or thing.
- 11. Can you tell that these are “extra ideas”?
- 12. Think about the difference between a house and a garage. A sentence is like a house. It’s complete.
- 13. A garage is extra. It’s nice to have a garage—but you can’t live there.
- 14. Let’s see how Comma Rule 1 works.
- 15. Can you tell which one is a sentence and which is an extra idea? (Reminder: Look at the beginning for a person, place, or thing.)
- 16. Did you figure it out? “Because” isn’t a person, place, or thing. “He” is a person.
- 17. Use a comma when a sentence begins with an extra idea. Now let’s put them together. If we put the extra idea first, we’ll need a comma.
- 18. Use a comma when the extra idea is in front.
- 19. Omit the comma when the extra idea is in back.
- 20. Let’s look at a few more examples.
- 21. Here are a few more helpful hints.
- 22. Remember that “it” is a thing. Anything that starts with “it” is a sentence and needs a period.
- 23. Use a period, not a comma, when you start a sentence with “it.”
- 24. Another reminder: Make sure your sentences end with periods, not commas.
- 25. There’s one more thing. If the “extra idea” is very short, you can omit the comma.
- 26. Let’s practice. You’re going to read some sentences. Which ones need commas? (Look for an extra idea at the beginning.)
- 27. Which sentences need commas?
- 28. Here are the answers.
- 29. Remember: 1. Sentences are complete. 2. Sentences begin with a person, place, or thing.
- 30. 3. Extra ideas are incomplete. 4. Extra ideas do not begin with a person, place, or thing.
- 31. Listening for sentences and extra ideas is a great way to improve your writing skills.
- 32. And there you have it!
- 33. You can learn more about commas at www.YourPoliceWrite.com.
- 34. All the resources there are FREE: www.YourPoliceWrite.com.
- 35. And if you’re looking for a low-cost, practical book…
- 36. Criminal Justice Report Writing is available from www.Amazon.com for just $19.95. View a free sample online.
- 37. An e-book edition is available from www.Smashwords.com for only $9.99.
- 38. A discount price is available for class sets (minimum five books). A free Instructor’s Manual is available for instructors and administrators. Send an e-mail request from your official account to jreynoldswrite at aol.com.