4.3 Proverbs and idioms  (Page 2/3)

a) Commas are used to separate several successive nouns; e.g. Terriers , Labradors , Alsatians and Poodles are all types of dogs.

Quote a sentence from the passage which illustrates this use. [2]

1. Commas are used to separate several successive adjectives; e.g. The cat was sleek , lithe , quick and feline.

Write your own example to illustrate this use.[1]

1. Commas also separate several successive adverbs; e.g. The lion stalked his prey slowly , slyly and successfully.

Can you write your own sentence to illustrate this function of the comma? [1]

d) Commas also separate successive actions; e.g. The watch-dog ran to the fence , surveyed the road , saw nobody and left.

Can you write your own sentence to illustrate this function of the comma? [1]

e) Commas are used to introduce direct speech (someone’s direct words). Look at the following examples:

Did you notice the different positions of the comma in each of these three sentences?

• In the first example Sipho’s sentence is interrupted by ‘asked Sipho’.

The comma after ‘ me’ indicates that his direct words continue.

• In the second example, although Ruby has completed her sentence, a comma instead of a full-stop is used.
• Refer to the last example. Is there a similar use of the comma in the passage? [1]

f) Commas separate adverbs and adverbial phrases; e.g. Nevertheless, he bought the dog. However , I shall keep an eye on him.

He did , in fact , become a loving owner.

We were, on the contrary , very pleased with his decision.

g) Commas separate words and phrases in apposition; e.g. The dog was returned to his owner , Mr Blake , at number 103 Durban Road.

Find an example from the passage that illustrates this. [2]

h) Commas separate participial phrases; e.g. Having eaten its food , the puppy went to sleep.

Does a sentence from the passage illustrate this use? [1]

i) Commas can also indicate parenthesis. This means commas can take the place of brackets; e.g. Labradors , golden as well as black , love children and water.

Quote an example from the passage to illustrate this function. [2]

j) Commas indicate the vocative (it separates the name of the person being spoken to from the words being said); e.g. ‘Thembi , get your dog to a vet as soon as possible.’

k) A comma is used to separate words such as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, ‘Please’ etc. e.g. ‘Yes , that will help , thank you.’

A lot to take in? Never mind, once you have understood, learnt and practised and used these, you will never forget them! The standard of your writing will also improve with accurate punctuation.

3. DEGREES OF COMPARISON

‘‘ The earliest record of South African flora…’

The word earliest is an example of a degree of comparison.

Adjectives and adverbs have three degrees of comparison: