COMMAS SIMPLIFIED
Signal WordsSmile. It will be
over before you know it.
I WARNED YOU THIS DAY WOULD COME… This comma rule requires a bit more
effort on your part Now just calm down, and it will be over
in a few minutes.
SIGNAL WORDSCome at the beginning of the sentenceInclude words such as…• When• If • Since• Although• Whenever• “–ING” words like Going, Writing,
etc.• Infinitives (“To…dance, sing,
play”)
Click icon to add picturePay Attention!
YOU LOOK A LITTLE DAZED.
Let’s try again… A “signal word” signals you to the
possibility that you will need a comma Signal words are always at the
beginning of the sentence All words ending in “-ing” are signal
words An infinitive (To …) is also a signal word There are LOTS of signal words…
SOME COMMON SIGNAL WORDSThe more you use them, the easier they will be to recognize…
When Since If Although Whenever Because After Before
Wearing a wig will not help. I still know you’re my student, and you have to learn this stuff.
MAYBE SOME EXAMPLES
WOULD HELPWhenever John eats salami and whole
wheat bread, he always gets gas.
Since I shaved my head for swimming, I have been swimming faster. I’ve also
grown fins.Growing up with a pack of wild giraffes,
I’ve learned to adapt to harsh circumstances.
SO A SIGNAL WORD AT THE BEGINNING “SIGNALS” YOU TO A COMMA1. Signal word at the beginning2. The signal word introduces an
introductory phrase3. The introductory phrase is @ 5+ words4. Your voice naturally tends to “stop and
drop” at the end of the phrase5. You can remove the introductory
“stop and drop” phrase, and the rest of the sentence can stand alone.
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Whoa, Dude. This is way too much info.
REVIEW1. Signal word at the
beginning2. The signal word
introduces an introductory phrase
3. The introductory phrase is @ 5+ words
4. Your voice naturally tends to “stop and drop” at the end of the phrase
5. You ONLY use the comma if the “rest of the sentence” can stand alone
Whenever Ms. C says it’s almost over, it usually never is!1. Whenever = signal
word2. Introductory phrase is
usually 5+ words3. Voice stops and drops
at end of phrase4. Remove the
introductory phrase = It usually never is!
5. S = V = stand alone/independent
READY TO TRY?Since Margie got her new glasses,
she can see much better.
HOW ABOUT THIS ONE?
Playing his new electric guitar and singing at the top of his lungs
makes Joey feel great.
CARE FOR ANOTHER?
If I could just get back to texting, I feel sure I’d be happier.
ONE MOREEver since little Ralphie watched
Scarface, he has been terribly violent.
SIGNAL WORDS INTRODUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF A COMMA… But you have to decide if you need the
comma or not. If you do need a comma, it comes
AFTER the introductory “stop and drop” phrase.
Hey, I just wrote one. Cool. Can you see it?
DECIDE WHETHER THESE SENTENCES NEED COMMAS OR NOT
Do you spy a “signal word”?
Does the sentence make sense without the introductory phrase?
To stay in shape for competition athletes must exercise every day.
Barking insistently, Smokey got us to throw his ball for him.
A popular and well respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor.
The wind blowing violently, the townspeople began to seek shelter.
After the adjustment for inflation, real wages have decreased while corporate profits have grown.
Preparing and submitting his report to the committee for evaluation and possible publication was one of the most difficult tasks Bill had ever attempted.
Before the curtain fell, the actors bowed.
If the next two nights are sellouts, the play will be extended.
Under the kitchen table the dog cowered.
Under the spreading chestnut tree, the village smithy stands.
ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?Yep. I know you thought I forgot the little quiz part, but here it is…
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Time for a little test
1. Every time Matilda watches little House on the Prairie she fantasizes about milking cows.
2. Singing and dancing are Tom’s favorite hobbies.3. Watching the sun set over the horizon I was
reminded that I had not flossed my teeth.4. Because Tina was a vulgar and crass girl who
imitated Jersey Shore characters nobody wanted to date her.
5. Whenever Waldo ate soup he slurped.6. Even if you were the last man on earth I wouldn’t
date you.7. After the storm the clouds parted.8. Since returning from her vacation in Greece my
best friend cannot stop eating olive oil.
THE END
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