Rule 6: Interrupters and Parentheticals

Rule 6:  Interrupters & Parentheticals 

Rule:  Set off interrupting phrases and parenthetical expressions with commas.

As I was saying     To tell the truth     mind you     in my opinion     on the other hand     without a doubt     I hope     
consequently          I presume            I suppose     if you ask me     for instance             nevertheless         
of course               for example          on the contrary           I believe

Example:  Jerry, I believe, is a genius in math.  (use commas because "I believe" interrupts the sentence)
                 I believe Jerry is a genius in math.  (no commas because there is no interruption)

Example:  Mrs. Jones, who works at Ogles, helped me find spinach and pickles.
                The lady who works at Ogles helped me find spinach and pickles.  (no comma because there is no interruption)

PART ONE:  Write 7 sentences that contain parenthetical expressions or other interrupters.  Set them off with commas.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

PART TWO

1.  Don’t forget to water the plants mind you or they will wither.

2.  As I was saying my trip includes quite an impressive itinerary with stops in several countries.

3.  George in my opinion is completely in error on this issue.

4.  She already knows I suppose why I am calling everyone together.

5.  Joe of course will be the chairman of our banquet.

6.  She is the girl who lost her car keys.

7.  My grandmother who used to be an airline stewardess is retired now.

8.  For example try using baking soda instead of toothpaste.

9.  He is without a doubt the best teacher I have ever had.

10.  Tom will nevertheless try to save his money so he can buy a new snowmobile.

11.  The power is off so Bob consequently could not finish his assignment.

12.  Karen will I believe succeed in her ambition to be a doctor.