Teaching English language, grammar, and punctuation is often challenging, and one of the most challenging aspects of English punctuation is using the comma. One tricky area where students often struggle with comma usage is with the word “as.” Using a comma with “as” is important because it helps to clarify the relationship between the two clauses in a sentence. So, if you are an ESL teacher looking to improve your students’ punctuation skills, here is a guide on how to teach commas with “as.”
Start with the basics
Before you dive into the specifics of commas with “as,” you should first ensure that your students understand the basics of comma usage. Start by familiarizing your students with the different types of commas, such as the serial comma, the Oxford comma, and the introductory comma.
Next, go over the general rules for comma usage, such as using a comma to separate items in a series, to separate two independent clauses, and to set off introductory words or phrases.
Introduce “as”
Once your students have a grasp on the basics of commas, you can move on to “as.” Explain to your students that “as” can be used in several different ways in a sentence. For example, “as” can be used as a conjunction or as a pronoun.
As a conjunction, “as” is often used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses in a sentence. For example, “As it began to rain, I grabbed my umbrella.” In this sentence, the clause “As it began to rain” is the dependent clause, and “I grabbed my umbrella” is the independent clause. The two clauses are connected with “as,” which acts as a coordinating conjunction.
Using commas with “as”
Now that your students understand the basics of “as,” you can move on to teaching them how to use commas with this word. One way to use a comma with “as” is when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. For example, “As he prepared the meal, the guests mingled in the living room.” In this sentence, the clause “As he prepared the meal” is separated from the independent clause with a comma.
Another way to use a comma with “as” is when it is used in introductory phrases or clauses. For example, “As a teacher, I know the importance of education.” In this sentence, “As a teacher” is an introductory clause, which is separated from the independent clause with a comma.
Practice and feedback
To help your students solidify their knowledge of commas with “as,” you should provide them with plenty of practice exercises and feedback. Find a range of sentences with “as” and have your students identify when to use commas. You can also have them practice writing their own sentences using “as” and including the correct punctuation.
Conclusion
Teaching students about commas with “as” can be challenging, but with a clear understanding of the basics and plenty of practice, your students should be able to master this tricky area of English punctuation. Remember to be patient and provide plenty of feedback, and you’ll have your students using commas like pros in no time.
