Lab Activity 46: Commas

Lab Activities
Lab Activity 46: Commas

Objective To practice recognizing the correct use of commas and using commas correctly.

Step 1: In each item below, write a sentence as instructed. You may refer to Chapter 46.

Example:
Write a sentence using one or more commas to set off unessential information in the middle of the sentence.

Some cities claim to have the best-tasting water, which is a matter of personal judgment, and there have even been competitive tastings.

1. Write a sentence using a comma to set off introductory material.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

2. Write a sentence using a comma to set off items in a series.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

3. Write a sentence using commas to set off unessential information in the middle.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

4. Write a sentence using a comma to set off unessential information at the end.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

5. Write a sentence using a comma to join two independent clauses also linked by a coordinating conjunction.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

6. Write a sentence using one comma to signal the start of a direct quotation.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Step 2: Now, think of an experience in your life that involved water. It could have to do with cooking, swimming, boating, being at the beach, or enjoying something to drink, or it could be a fictional experience. Write a paragraph of at least five sentences about your experience with water. In your paragraph, include commas to set off unessential information, to set off items in a series, and to signal the start of a direct quotation. After you finish, make sure you used your commas correctly.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Step 3: For each word group below, select the choice that uses commas correctly. If the original word group is correct, select "No change."

1. My aunt Alyssa who is my favorite relative tells me about her adventures whenever we get together. [Hint]

My aunt Alyssa who is my favorite relative, tells me about her adventures whenever we get together.

My aunt Alyssa, who is my favorite relative, tells me about her adventures whenever we get together.

My aunt Alyssa, who is my favorite relative tells me about her adventures whenever we get together.

No change.

2. In the last few years, she has been on cruises to several different countries. [Hint]

In the last few years she has been on cruises to several different countries.

In, the last few years she has been on cruises to several different countries.

In the last few years, she has been, on cruises to several different countries.

No change.

3. She has been to Norway Germany Panama Japan, and Taiwan. [Hint]

She has been to Norway, Germany, Panama, Japan, and Taiwan.

She has been to Norway, Germany Panama, Japan and Taiwan.

She has been to Norway Germany, Panama, Japan, and Taiwan.

No change.

4. Her ship left for northern Europe from Norfolk, Virginia on January 30, 2006 and it returned to Norfolk on February 28, 2006 a total of thirty days. [Hint]

Her ship left for northern Europe from Norfolk, Virginia on January 30, 2006, and it returned to Norfolk on February 28, 2006, a total of thirty days.

Her ship left for northern Europe from Norfolk, Virginia, on January 30, 2006, and it returned to Norfolk on February 28, 2006, a total of thirty days.

Her ship left for northern Europe from Norfolk, Virginia, on January 30, 2006 and it returned to Norfolk on February 28, 2006 a total of thirty days.

No change.

5. A storm gathered in the Atlantic Ocean, as her ship was visiting Norway and the captain decided to leave port to ride out the storm. [Hint]

A storm, gathered in the Atlantic Ocean as her ship was visiting Norway and the captain decided to leave port to ride out the storm.

A storm gathered in the Atlantic Ocean as her ship was visiting Norway and the captain decided to leave port to ride out the storm.

A storm gathered in the Atlantic Ocean as her ship was visiting Norway, and the captain decided to leave port to ride out the storm.

No change.

6. Unfortunately this was the most severe North Atlantic storm in the last twenty-five years. [Hint]

Unfortunately, this was the most severe North Atlantic storm in the last twenty-five years.

Unfortunately this was the most severe North Atlantic storm, in the last twenty-five years.

Unfortunately this, was the most severe North Atlantic storm in the last twenty-five years.

No change.

7. Aunt Alyssa recently said "I thought that storm was going to be it for me," with a serious look. [Hint]

Aunt Alyssa recently said, "I thought that storm was going to be it for me", with a serious look.

Aunt Alyssa recently said "I thought that storm was going to be it for me", with a serious look.

Aunt Alyssa recently said, "I thought that storm was going to be it for me," with a serious look.

No change.

8. The crew just tried to keep the ship afloat for those three tough days for the winds were fierce and the waves were eighty feet high. [Hint]

The crew just tried to keep the ship afloat for those three tough days, for the winds were fierce and the waves were eighty feet high.

The crew just tried to keep the ship afloat, for those three tough days for the winds were fierce and the waves were eighty feet high.

The crew just tried to keep the ship afloat for those three tough days, for the winds were fierce, and the waves were eighty feet high.

No change.

9. After some repair work Aunt Alyssa's ship next went through the Panama Canal across the Pacific Ocean, and to Japan. [Hint]

After some repair work Aunt Alyssa's ship next went through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean, and to Japan.

After some repair work, Aunt Alyssa's ship next went through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean, and to Japan.

After some repair work Aunt Alyssa's ship next went through the Panama Canal across the Pacific Ocean and to Japan.

No change.

10. My aunt enthusiastically told me "Jodie, if you ever have a chance to see Japan, take it. You'll never forget it". [Hint]

My aunt enthusiastically told me, "Jodie, if you ever have a chance to see Japan, take it. You'll never forget it".

My aunt enthusiastically told me "Jodie, if you ever have a chance to see Japan, take it. You'll never forget it."

My aunt enthusiastically, told me, "Jodie, if you ever have a chance to see Japan, take it. You'll never forget it."

No change.

Step 4: Now that you have practiced recognizing the correct use of commas, think about a trip you have taken (or would like to take) across a large body of water. It could be a trip to Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, or a fictional place. Write a paragraph of at least five sentences describing your trip. In your paragraph, include commas to set off unessential information, to set off items in a series, to join two independent clauses also linked by a coordinating conjunction, and to set off a direct quotation. After you finish, check your paragraph for correct usage of commas, and make any necessary revisions. You may refer to the comma usage information in Chapter 46.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.