Homework and Class Work for ENG 100B Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 1st Pd: Cole Stamper 2nd Pd: Tristin Hamrick INDEPENDENT WORK: Commas – Introductory Elements RULE 5: Use a comma after certain introductory elements. (A) Use a comma after words such as well, yes, no, and why when they begin a sentence. EXAMPLES Yes, I heard your question. Well, I really haven’t thought about it. No, I don’t think I’ll go to the movie. Why, I can’t imagine where I left the keys. (B) Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. EXAMPLES Looking poised and calm, Jill sauntered toward the bus stop. Exhausted after the five-mile hike, the scouts finally sat down to rest. NOTE Remember that verb forms ending in –ing may also be verbal nouns, or gerunds. When a gerund phrase is used as the subject of a sentence, do not mistake it for an introductory participial phrase. A gerund is a word ending in –ing that is formed from a verb and is used as a noun, thus a verbal noun. EXAMPLES swimming, dancing, studying, knitting, cooking EXAMPLES Following directions is sometimes difficult. [The gerund phrase Following directions is the subject of the sentence.] Following directions, I began to assemble the toy. [Following directions is an introductory participial phrase modifying I.] (C) Use a comma after a succession of introductory prepositional phrases. EXAMPLES In the first round of competition at the golf tournament, I had to play one of the best golfers in the state. At the beginning of the second quarter of the game, he scored a touchdown. NOTE A single introductory prepositional phrase need not be followed by a comma unless it is parenthetical (Rule 6) or the comma helps to make the meaning clear. EXAMPLES For some, tests are always easy. [Without the comma, this sentence could easily be misunderstood.] In fact, some students actually enjoy taking tests. [parenthetical expression] (D) Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause. An adverb clause is a subordinate or dependent clause that, like an adverb, modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. Remember that an adverb tells how, when, where, or to what extent (how often or how much) . EXAMPLES After my father had locked the car door, he remembered that the keys were still in the ignition. If I hadn’t had a spare set of keys, we would have had to walk. An adverb clause that follows an independent clause is usually NOT set off by a comma. EXAMPLE Acres of valuable timberland in the state of Washington were destroyed when a volcano erupted in 1980. CLASSWORK: 1. Students completed Tutorial Presentations 2. Students should bring Now You See It . . . books to class tomorrow for classwork.