Page 147 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Lesson: Commas with Nonessential Elements (continued)
Other Nonessential Elements
Nonessential participial phrases (those that add information that is not necessary to the basic meaning of the
sentence) are set off with commas:
Sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, Meg’s family learns of a serious threat to the world.
Charles Wallace, reciting an ancient Irish rune, summons the unicorn Gaudior. Nonessential adjectival clauses are set off with commas:
Meg’s family, who are sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, learns of a serious threat to the world. Charles Wallace, who recites an ancient Irish rune, summons the unicorn Gaudior.
Check Your Understanding
Read the following sentences. Add any missing commas. If a sentence is already correct as is, write Correct.
1. We have had our boat a sixteen-foot aluminum canoe for over twenty years.
2. On the surface of the bay you can sometimes see fish jumping.
3. There’s a particular kind of fish the mullet that frequently jumps out of the water.
4. Standing on the pier Walter saw a jellyfish.
5. Although we applied sunscreen we still got a little sunburned.
6. Did you see the jetty Chris?
7. Yes we walked there yesterday.
8. Watching the sunset Frank saw a flock of pelicans fly overhead.
9. My friend Eliana likes stargazing.
10. By the way I hope we get to camp on the beach.
6 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 8
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