Comma Usage and Run-on Sentences

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Comma Usage andRun-on Sentences
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When do we use a comma?

• Use a comma to
• Separate dates and parts of addresses
• March 13, 1797
• 2 Columbus Avenue, New York, New York 10019
• Between words or groups of words in a series
• Pears, peaches, plums and figs grow in the
  Southern states.
• To set off the name of a person about to
  addressed
• Amelia, are you ready to go?
• To set off words such as yes, no, well and oh at
  the beginning of a sentence
• Yes, we can go as soon as I find my jacket.

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When do we use a comma?

• Use a comma to
• Separate independent clauses joined by the
  coordinating conjunctions and, but, nor, or yet
• Brad will bring snacks, and Sarah will bring
  movies.
• Separate dependant clauses from independent
  clauses when the dependant clause comes first
• Before Karen began cooking, she made sure she had
  all of the ingredients.

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Practice

• The time was midnight and my homework still
  wasnt finished.
• While Crystal swam laps Bob sunbathed.
• I did not know her name but she looked very
  familiar.
• Because they cater to teens these shops are not
  too expensive
• Frank heard the news and he quickly told his
  friends.
• Joe Mary and Patricia are planning a surprise
  party for their parents.

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What is a run-on sentence?

• A run-on sentence is two independent clauses that
  are put together without the correct punctuation.
  
• The music was deafening, I turned down the
  volume.
• Two ways to correct run-on sentences
• Separate it into two sentences.
• The music was deafening. I turned down the
  volume.
• Turn it into a compound sentence
• The music was deafening, so I turned down the
  volume.

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Correct the run-on sentences

• The city council held a meeting a meeting is held
  every month.
• The council members are elected by the voters
  there are two thousand voters in the city.
• There is one council member from each suburb, the
  president is elected by the council members.
• The council decides on many activities every
  activity is voted on.
• Those who run for office must give speeches, the
  speeches should be short.