My Comma Rule

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My Comma Rule
- Use a comma after an introductory participle
phrase
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What is a participle?

• A participle is a verb form that is used as a
  modifier. It usually ends in ed or ing.
• Ex. Baked fish, Screaming child
• When a participle phrase begins a sentence, it
  should be separated from the rest of the sentence
  by a comma.
• Ex. Puffing on his pipe, Grandpa began his story.
  

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Two Types of Participles

• Participles come in two forms past and present.
  

CAUTION In some cases there is an exception
where there are irregular verbs. For example,
sing, ring, and bring.
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Helpful Hints

• If you subtract the participle phrase from the
  sentence, a sentence should still remain.
• Ex. Grabbing a spoon from the Kitchen drawer,
  Garrett eyed his wife for approval.

(As you can see, a sentence still remains)
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Example Participle Phrase

• Behaving like a spoiled child, he pouted and
  sulked.
• Answer child, he
• Notice how a comma is placed directly after child
  to set of the introductory participle phrase.
• If you eliminate the participle phrase,
  a sentence still remains.

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Practice
On a separate sheet of paper, number your paper
1-10. Write the word before the needed comma and
then insert the comma. EX. Singing the tune of
the National Anthem Mr. Ellsworth frightened the
little kids. Answer National Anthem, Mr.
Ellsworth
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• Trying to turn on the video Mr. Ellsworth looked
  for his remote control.
• Waiting by the bus stop Sydney realized she
  forgot her twenty pound lunch.
• Singing along with the tune Mr. Sax opened his
  folder.
• Working all day long the teacher was very tired.
• Encouraged by the lecture Andrea decided to do
  some extra credit.

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6.Practicing grammar for quite a while the
students got very tired. 7.Earning an A on his
essay Alex was very pleased. 8.Tricking Mr.
Ellsworth all period Shay and Kenny
laughed. 9.Distraced by the classes jokes Mr.
Ellsworth decided to get revenge. 10.Confused by
Romeo and Juliet the students exchanged curious
looks.
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Answers

• video, 6. while,
• stop, 7. essay,
• tune, 8. period,
• long, 9. jokes,
• lecture, 10. Romeo and Juliet,

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Links

• http//www.chompchomp.com/terms/participle.htm
• http//www.siskiyous.edu/class/engl52/reynoldss/n_
  participles.htm
• http//webester.commnet.edu/grammar/commas/htm