Success Center
Directed Learning Activity (DLA)
Punctuation 1:
How to Use Commas
(Part One)
G031.1
Directed Learning Activity — How to Use Commas (Part One)
Description: This Directed Learning Activity (DLA) is designed to teach you some of the basic uses of
the comma. The comma is a valuable and useful punctuation tool because it separates the parts of
sentences into manageable segments. You will be learning the traditional rules that govern the use of
commas. However, you may notice as you read from different sources that many writers seem to
break the rules. Commas tell the reader to pause and experienced writers will use commas in unique
ways to that effect. However, that doesn’t mean you can put a comma wherever you want. There are
very specific rules about when and where a writer should use commas.
Prior Knowledge: While it is not a requirement for completing this activity, it would be helpful to
understand the differences between compound sentences and complex sentences. If you feel like you
would benefit from a review of those concepts, the Success Center recommends completing the DLAs
titled “Types of Sentences: Compound” and “Types of Sentences: Complex and CompoundComplex.”
Definitions: Here are some definitions that will help you as you work through this DLA.
1. A phrase is a group of words that may contain a subject or a verb, but not both.
2. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb.
3. A dependent clause is a clause that contains both a subject and a verb, but does not express a
complete thought. It is not a complete sentence.
4. An independent clause is a clause that contains both a subject and a verb and expresses a
complete thought; therefore, it is a complete sentence.
Step One: Assessing Prior Knowledge
On the lines below, explain what you already know about using commas. Don’t look ahead or use
other sources of information. Try and write something down, but if you don’t feel like you know
anything about commas, then write that you don’t know.
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Step Two: Understanding Three Basic Uses of Commas
In this DLA, you will learn about three basic uses of commas: to separate independent clauses,
to separate items in a series, and to separate introductory elements. Carefully read the explanations
and examples below before attempting these separation techniques yourself in the practice exercises.
I. Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
Explanation: Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of the seven
coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
Examples:
The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
The student explained her question, and the instructor seemed to understand.
Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.
Be careful! Use a comma only if there is an independent clause before and after the conjunction.
I want to go home and eat dinner. [No comma is used here because there is not an independent clause
– a complete sentence – after the conjunction. You have the verb eat, but there is no subject.]
I want to go home, and I want to eat dinner. [Here, however, you have two independent clauses – each
with its own subject and verb. This sentence needs a comma.]
II. Use a comma to separate items in a series.
Explanation: Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
Examples:
The U.S. Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end the war.
My husband was hungry, tired, and cranky when he came home from work.
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Practice 1: Add commas as needed in the sentences below. If a sentence doesn’t need a comma,
write C – for Correct – after it.
1. Nice is a word that has many meanings and some of them are contradictory.
2. I need sugar butter and eggs from the grocery store.
3. I am typing a letter and she is talking on the phone.
4. She finished her work and then took a break.
5. My neighbor’s dog knocks over my garbage cans walks in my flowerbed and barks at my cats.
6. He left the scene of the accident and tried to forget that it had happened.
7. I want to become a doctor so I have to take a lot of science classes.
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III. Use a comma to separate introductory elements.
Explanation: Use commas after most introductory words, clauses, and phrases. Examples of these
include adverbial phrases, long prepositional phrases, and verbal phrase modifiers.
A. Adverbial clauses (Adverbial clauses are dependent clauses that begin with subordinating
conjunctions.)
Examples:
When he reached the stoplight, Jones turned left.
As cucumbers grow, their vines need room to expand.
Until Tom knew what caused the alarm to go off, he continued to be cautious.
B. Long prepositional phrases (Prepositional phrases start with a preposition and function in a
sentence as an adjective or an adverb.)
Examples:
In the solitude of that snowy December night, we became good friends.
At the end of the road on the west side of the train station, an elderly couple sold produce.
C. Verbal phrase modifiers (Verbal phrases usually start with an -ing form of a verb, -ed form of
a verb, or an infinitive)
Examples:
Speaking at the meeting today, the woman informed everyone of the merger.
Stretching, the cat slowly opened her eyes.
Terrified of the vacuum, the mouse ran behind the cupboard.
Exhausted after a long day at work, I relaxed in front of the TV and went to bed early.
To buy that car, you must pay a $500 deposit. [To buy is an infinitive.]
To get an A in the class, students must write a ten-page research paper. [To get is an infinitive.]
Be careful! Sometimes, the -ing form of a verb or an infinitive functions as the subject of a
sentence. In that case, don’t use a comma.
S
V
Entering the room was dangerous.
(gerund)
S
V
To buy that car was my dream.
(infinitive)
D. Other introductory material (Examples of this include mild exclamations, adverbs, yes/no,
and transition words.)
Examples:
Well, perhaps he meant no harm.
Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow.
No, we are not in danger.
However, you may not be satisfied with the results.
In fact, there was no way to keep the door closed.
Unfortunately, the concert is sold out.
Certainly, I’ll be glad to help you.
Obviously, he is lying.
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Practice 2: Add commas as needed in the sentences below. If a sentence doesn’t need a comma,
write C – for Correct – after it.
1. If you plant a willow tree in that location the tree will probably do well.
2. Suddenly the door flew open.
3. Yes I need to reschedule my appointment.
4. To maintain excellent grades in your classes is an accomplishment.
5. Running toward third base Kevin suddenly realized how stupid he looked.
6. Because Carol had learned to study by herself she was able to pass the entrance exam.
7. To get the cheapest airline ticket you need to check the website early.
8. Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon the park ranger discovered an abandoned mine.
9. Divorced for three years Matt finally found the woman he had been looking for.
10. In addition you must complete one semester of student teaching in order to earn a credential.
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Step Three: Editing for Comma Errors
Now that you have learned the rules, it’s time to apply that knowledge to writing. When you write
an essay, you must always edit for mistakes. That means critically looking at your grammar and
punctuation and correcting any mistakes you have made. The practice exercises in Step Three are meant
to help you learn how to edit comma errors.
Read the following sentences. Determine if each sentence is punctuated correctly. If it is,
write C – for Correct – at the end of the sentence. If it is incorrect, fix the mistake by inserting
whatever commas are needed or deleting unnecessary commas. In the blanks next to the sentences,
indicate which of these three rules you applied when editing them:
A.
B.
C.
B
Commas used between independent clauses
Commas used for items in a series
Commas used for introductory material
1. They purchased bananas and apples at the farmers’ market. C (No comma was necessary
because there were only two items in the series.)
____ 2. Unfortunately I cannot find my credit card.
____ 3. Eating his lunch Tom noticed a fly floating in his soup.
____ 4. To get into college, was Karen’s number-one goal in life.
____ 5. Fire trucks police cars and two helicopters arrived at the accident.
____ 6. Softly and beautifully Sally hummed as she worked.
____ 7. I am really interested in learning about art history but I can’t take a class right now.
____ 8. I like who you are, how you act, and what you say.
____ 9. When the sun goes down the music begins.
____ 10. Sickened by the pollution, most people had to stay inside their homes.
____ 11. Rodney planned the trip, made reservations, and bought airplane tickets.
____ 12. Jack spent his weekend playing tennis, and watching old movies on TV.
____ 13. Watching the squirrel dart up the tree, I forgot about all my problems.
____ 14. No you may not go to that party.
____ 15. Lois spent two hours in the gym and then went to class.
For Further Practice:
Now that you have completed “How to Use Commas (Part One),” you are ready to move on to
Part Two. In that DLA, you will learn more rules that will help you master the uses of commas.
If you want more practice using commas before attempting to complete Part Two, go to:
http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm
G031.1 – Punctuation 1: How to Use Commas (Part One)
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PRINT STUDENT NAME
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STUDENT #
Tutor Feedback:
______ The student can explain the three uses of commas outlined in this DLA. (They separate
independent clauses, items in a series, and introductory material.)
______ In Step Two, the student correctly inserted commas into the sentences in Practice 1 and
Practice 2.
______ In Step Three, the student identified those sentences in which commas were used correctly
and those in which they were not. The student then was able to correct those sentences by
inserting or deleting commas.
Additional Comments:___________________________________________________________
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PRINT INSTRUCTOR/TUTOR NAME
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DATE
INSTRUCTOR/TUTOR SIGNATURE
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You may not get credit for completing this DLA if you fail
to leave this sheet with the front desk receptionist.