Commas Used with Prepositions, Conjunctive Adverbs, Introductory Words,

Multiple Adjectives, and Participial Phrases

Revision Review

With Prepositional Phrases• A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and

ends with an object of the preposition.

e.g. on the way, at the game, before the test

• When a sentence begins with one prepositional phrase, it is up to the writer to decide if a comma is needed. However, when that phrase deals with time, a comma is typically used.

e.g. On Tuesday, I will have a meeting.

e.g. With excitement I opened the gift.

With Prepositional Phrases

• When a sentence begins with more than on prepositional phrase, they must be followed by a comma.

e.g. On Monday in the gym, there will be an assembly.

e.g. With a jump for joy, the girl accepted the prize.

Test Yourself – Prepositional Phrases• On a separate piece of paper, write “yes” if a

comma is needed or “no” if none is needed. If a comma is needed, write the word that would come before the comma.

• 1. At six o’clock the news comes on television.• 2. On a cold day in December snow fell heavily.• 3. For a gift I bought my friend a new phone case.• 4. Beside the tree is a rose bush.• 5. Behind the garage in a tool shed I keep my lawn

mower.

Check Your Answers – Prep Phrases

• 1. yes – o’clock• 2. yes - December • 3. no• 4. no• 5. yes - shed

What is a Conjunctive Adverb?• A conjunctive adverb is a special

connecting word. It connects two independent clauses.

• Some conjunctive adverbs are: therefore, however, whereas; in fact, for example

• Conjunctive adverbs need special punctuation. They must have a semicolon before them and a comma after them.

e.g. The weather was intense; in fact, hurricane winds occurred.

Test Yourself - Conjunctive Adverbs• On separate paper, copy the sentence and punctuate

it properly.• 1. The discovery of America was an amazing

historical event however it did have negative effects.

• 2. Snow fell steadily for days therefore businesses could not open and school remained closed.

• 3. Writing is important for example students will need to write well to get a job or enter college.

Check Your Answers - Conjunctive Adverbs

• 1. The discovery of America was an amazing historical event; however, it did have negative effects.

• 2. Snow fell steadily for days; therefore, businesses could not open and school remained closed.

• 3. Writing is important; for example, students will need to write well to get a job or enter college.

With Introductory Words• If a sentence begins with an introductory word, it

should be followed by a comma.• An example would be words like “yes” or “no.”

e.g. Yes, I would like a drink of water.

e.g. No, I am not interested.• Words that interrupt the flow of the sentence

should be followed by a comma.

e.g. Well, perhaps we should go to the meeting.

More Introductory Words• Transition words that start a sentence should also

be followed by a comma.

e.g. First, take out a pencil.

e.g. Then, write your name and the date.• An adverb at the start of a sentence should be

followed by a comma.

e.g. Oddly, that tasted really good.• An interjection spoken calmly at the beginning of

a sentence should be followed by a comma.

e.g. Oh my, I forgot my book.

Test Yourself – Introductory Words• On separate paper, write the word that

introduces the sentence. Be sure to put a comma after it.

• 1. Next you should build a fire.• 2. Yes I would like to answer the question.• 3. Frankly I don’t know what to say.• 4. Honestly I don’t know how to respond.• 5. Uh Oh I didn’t know there was a test.

Check Your Answers – Introductory Words

• 1. Next,• 2. Yes,• 3. Frankly,• 4. Honestly, • 5. Uh Oh,

Commas with Adjectives• If two or more adjectives are next to each

other in a sentence, they may need a comma to separate them. A comma is needed if the word “and” could be inserted between them.

e.g. The big, tall building was imposing.

e.g. The large, furry cat is named Emily.• If the word “and” cannot be inserted

between the adjectives, no comma is needed.

e.g. The first new toy opened was a Barbie doll.

Test Yourself – Commas with Adjectives

• On separate paper, write the adjectives that need separated by a comma. If no comma is needed, write “none.”

• 1. The pretty red dress was expensive.• 2. I heard the loud critical comment.• 3. The single dignified remark impressed

the audience.• 4. I put up the bright colorful lights.

Check Your Answers - Adjectives

• 1. pretty, red • 2. loud, critical• 3. none• 4. bright, colorful

What is a Participial Phrase?• A participial phrase is a group of words that begins

with a participle. Remember, a participle looks like a verb but works like an adjective.

• If the participial phrase begins the sentence, it will be followed by a comma.

e.g. Walking quickly, the student hoped to not be late for class.

• If the participial phrase interrupts the flow of the sentence, commas will occur before and after it.

e.g. The girl, dressed in red, stood out in the crowd.

What is an Infinitive Phrase?

• An infinitive phrase starts with the word “to” and is followed by a verb. When an infinitive phrase begins a sentence, it must be followed by a comma.

e.g. To write well, one must practice the art of sentence structure.

Test Yourself - Phrases• On a separate piece of paper, write the

participial or infinitive phrase and place the comma appropriately.

• 1. Sleeping peacefully the cat never noticed the mouse.

• 2. To hear the answer the student had to listen carefully.

• 3. Wrapping some gifts each night the person tried to prepare for the holiday.

• 4. To celebrate the event people gathered happily.

Check Your Answers - Phrases

• 1. Sleeping peacefully,• 2. To hear the answer,• 3. Wrapping some gifts each night, • 4. To celebrate the event,

Apply What You Have Learned• Now that you have completed this review,

get a review quiz from your teacher. Take the quiz and return it to her. Then, access your essay on google docs. Look at the comments about commas (C5 – C8). Make any corrections on the document. Then, get your rubric from your folder. Take the rubric and computer to your teacher to add points back to your essay score.