This document provides a review of 14 quick tips for using commas correctly in sentences, including setting off phrases, direct address, interrogative tags, yes/no at the beginning of sentences, direct quotations, dates, addresses, and avoiding confusion. Commas are used to indicate pauses when reading aloud and usually separate non-essential phrases from the main clause.

1. Commas Notes Set #3

2. REVIEW--Quick Tips for Commas Commas usually go in sentences at points where you pause when you read it aloud. Phrases set off by commas (comma at beginning and end of phrase) usually are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Double commas=can cut this part of the sentence out.

3. 9) Direct Address Direct address=speaking directly to a person Use a comma to set off (after the person’s name) Example: Tell us , Mrs. Brummitt-Yale, who is the smartest student in the class?

4. 10) Interrogative tags Interrogative tags=asking a question within a sentence Use a comma to set off (before the question begins) Example: Grammar lessons are the highlight of this class , aren’t they ?

5. 11) YES/NO at beginning of a sentence Use a comma after the words YES or NO at the beginning of a sentence Example: No, the students really don’t need to be on Facebook during class.

6. 12) Direct quotations Use comma before a direct quotation Direct quotations will be in quotation marks Examples The student remarked, “There is no way I’m coming to class on today!” “ Someone owes me five dollars ,” shouted the student when he could not find his dinner after returning from break. NOTE: When comma used before quote, it goes OUTSIDE of the quotation marks. When comma comes after quote, it goes INSIDE the quotation marks.

7. 13) Dates and addresses DATES: Use a pair of commas to set off the date from the rest of the sentence. Example: On March 11, 2007, Finn Yale was born. ADDRESSES: Use commas to separate all elements of an address except the zip code Example: Please send your income tax returns to the IRS at Department of Treasury, 111 Internal Revenue Service Rd., Atlanta, GA 39901

8. 14) Commas to Avoid Confusion Sometimes it is necessary to add commas in sentences to make them easier to read Example--When a word is omitted: To err is human; to forgive, divine. Example--Prevent wrong groupings: Patients who can, walk up and down the halls several times a day.