The document discusses the use of commas to set off contrasting phrases in sentences. A contrasting phrase expresses the opposite of the words before it and is often signaled by words like "but" or "not." Examples show how to use commas to properly set off contrasting phrases to avoid ambiguity or confusion in sentences.

1. Commas to Set off
Contrasting Phrases
6th & 7th Grade Language

2.  You always need a comma to set off
contrasting phrases from the rest of the
sentence.
The Rule

3.  A contrasting phrase is a group of words
that expresses the opposite of the words
before it.
 They are often signaled with words like
“which,” “but,” or “not.”
What are Contrasting Phrases?

4.  It was her money not her charm or
personality that first attracted him.
 It was her money not her charm or
personality that first attracted him.
 It was her money, not her charm or
personality, that first attracted him.
Examples

5.  The puppies were cute but very messy.
 The puppies were cute but very messy.
 The puppies were cute, but very messy.
More Examples

6.  I just realized that it’s December not
November!
 I just realized that it’s December not
November!
 I just realized that it’s December, not
November!
One Last Example…

7.  The game was fun but crowded.
 Billy not Amelia will win the award for
silliest student this quarter.
 Orion had three hours of homework which
wasn’t fun.
 It’s going to rain not snow next week.
Practice

8.  The game was fun, but crowded.
 Billy, not Amelia, will win the award for
silliest student this quarter.
 Orion had three hours of homework,
which wasn’t fun.
 It’s going to rain, not snow, next week.
Answers