COMMAS THAT SEPARATE BASIC ELEMENTS-1.doc
- 1. COMMAS THAT SEPARATE BASIC ELEMENTS - Commas With Compound Sentences Use a comma before the conjunction to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence. COMPOUND SENTENCES I cooked dinner, and Glenda set the table We waited for John, but he never arrived. - Commas Between Items in a Series Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series. - Commas Between Adjectives Use commas to separate adjectives of equal rank. Do not use commas to separate adjectives that must stay together. ADJECTIVES With Commas: He drove a shiny, green sedan. Without Commas: The attic was filled with many old clothes. Exercise 1 Using Commas Correctly Add commas where they are required. 1. Billy left the party, and he went home. 2. Native Americans grew corn, beans, and tomatoes. 3. The sleek, powerful leopard raced towards its prey. 4. The road ran around the mountain, across the river, and into the town. 5. We approached the medieval castle with its old drawbridge, huge towers, and broad moat. 6. Following the directions, thinking carefully, and taking your time will ensure success on the project. 7. The California condor, the Wyoming toad, and the red fox are endangered species. 8. Charles did his best, but he still lost the race. 9. Claire saw two of her best friends in the grandstand, so she went to sit with them. 10. 11. 12. That large, heavy bag is mine. 13. California, Oregon, and Washington border the Pacific Ocean. Exercise 2 Understanding the Use of Commas These sentences are punctuated correctly. Identify the use of commas by writing the words compound sentence, series, or adjectives. 1. Ed wrote letters, and then he listened to music. (Compound sentence) 2. Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec are Canadian provinces. (Series) 3. The quick, brown fox outran the shaggy dog. (Adjectives) 4. With hard work, with the right skills, and with a little luck you can be successful. (Series) 5. Dad and I left for the airport at noon, yet we were still late for Mom’s plane. (Compound sentence) 6. Several noisy squirrels lived in the oak tree. (Adjectives) SERIES Firs, spruces, and pines are evergreen trees. They traveled out to New York, through Pennsylvania, and into Ohio.