Parenthetical Phrases

Parenthetical Phrases

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Commas Around Interruptions

​Parenthetical phrases are unnecessary interruptions in a sentence.

When writers include an interruption in a sentence, this causes readers to pause.

Surround sentence interruptions with commas.

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Examples:

• Some foods, sugar for example, are not good for you.

• ​​Anthony, however, decided not to go.

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Interjections

An interjection is a word or phrase used to show emotions - joy, disgust, fear, etc.

Use commas to remind readers to pause.​

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Examples:

• I went to Mikey's dinner party and, wow, he's a great cook.

• Oh my goodness, Rebecca finally finished her project.​

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Multiple Choice

Wow Greg sank a half court shot!

• wow

• sank

• court

• no comma needed

Multiple Choice

Olivia believed that scarves regardless of the weather were a stylish choice for winter.

• scarves, weather

• scarves, regardless

• believed, weather

• no comma needed

Multiple Choice

Helene's phone completely drained of battery was found at the bottom of her purse.

• phone, battery

• drained, battery

• found, bottom

• no comma needed

Multiple Choice

Look there is a wasp on the back of her shirt!

• look

• wasp

• back

• no comma needed

Multiple Choice

Kylie placed two shoes in the basket for you.

• shoes

• two

• basket

• no comma needed