Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):
6.10.D
(D) edit drafts using standard English conventions, including:
complete complex sentences with subject-verb agreement and avoidance of splices, run-ons, and fragments;
consistent, appropriate use of verb tenses;
conjunctive adverbs;
prepositions and prepositional phrases and their influence on subject-verb agreement;
pronouns, including relative;
subordinating conjunctions to form complex sentences and correlative conjunctions such as either/or and neither/nor;
capitalization of proper nouns, including abbreviations, initials, acronyms, and organizations;
punctuation marks, including commas in complex sentences, transitions, and introductory elements; and
correct spelling, including commonly confused terms such as its/it's, affect/effect, there/their/they're, and to/two/too;
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):
6.10.D
(D) edit drafts using standard English conventions, including:
complete complex sentences with subject-verb agreement and avoidance of splices, run-ons, and fragments;
consistent, appropriate use of verb tenses;
conjunctive adverbs;
prepositions and prepositional phrases and their influence on subject-verb agreement;
pronouns, including relative;
subordinating conjunctions to form complex sentences and correlative conjunctions such as either/or and neither/nor;
capitalization of proper nouns, including abbreviations, initials, acronyms, and organizations;
punctuation marks, including commas in complex sentences, transitions, and introductory elements; and
correct spelling, including commonly confused terms such as its/it's, affect/effect, there/their/they're, and to/two/too;
6th Grade Writing - Punctuation Lesson
Correct punctuation in sentences is important because it helps enhance readers' understanding.
Complex Sentences —
Complex sentences consist of at least one dependent clause and one independent clause.
When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, a comma should be used after the dependent clause.
Example:
When a dependent clause comes after an independent clause, no comma is needed between the clauses.
Example:
Transitions —
Transition words and phrases are used to link different ideas between sentences or in paragraphs.
When a transition word or phrase introduces a sentence, a comma should be used after the word or phrase.
Example:
On the other hand, Miguel wished that the warmth of summer would stay a little longer as he did not do well with cold weather.
When a transition word or phrase interrupts a clause, the word or phrase should be set off by commas.
Example:
Despite the persistent rumors, the software company was,in fact, ready to unveil their new product at the technology conference.
NOTE: transition words should not be used to connect two clauses together unless a semicolon is also used.
Example:
CORRECT — Thomas Edison did not invent the first motion picture camera; rather, it was a Frenchman named Louis Le Prince.
COMMAS AFTER INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS
Commas should be used after introductory words and phrases.
Introductory Words —
Introductory words include interjections and words of direct address.
Interjections are usually one or two words that come at the beginning of a sentence. They are used to express an emotion of some sort. Interjections that show strong emotions are usually punctuated with an exclamation point. Other interjections have a comma after them instead.
Example:
A word of direct address is used to refer to a person directly by name or title. When a word of direct address comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma should be used after it.
Example:
Rosa, do you want to join us for an impromptu karaoke party?
Introductory phrases —
Introductory phrases can include prepositional, participial, and infinitive phrases.
A prepositional phrase that is more than four words or two or more prepositional phrases together usually have a comma after them when they introduce a sentence.
A participial phrase is usually made up of an "-ing" or "-ed" verb and any modifying or descriptive words. Participial phrases act as adjectives. When a participial phrase introduces a sentence, it should have a comma after it.
Example:
Covered in mud, the boys were not allowed back into the house until they had rinsed off.
An infinitive phrase consists of the word "to" + a base verb and any modifiers. When an infinitive phrase introduces a sentence, a comma should be used after the infinitive phrase.
6th Grade Writing - Punctuation Lesson