Rules: Use a Comma After Every Item in a Series

Comma Practice

Rules: Use a comma after every item in a series. Ex. The dog ran out the door, down the steps, and across the lawn.

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that describe a noun. Ex. They drove away in a bright, shiny, expensive sports car.

A. Try it! Number your page from 1-10. Copy the following sentences and add commas where necessary.

1. A strong northerly wind swept the snow against the front door.

2. That fast little green Porsche belongs to my sister.

3. Red white and blue garland decorated the speaker’s stand on stage.

4. We went to the store and bought chicken corn baked beans and lemonade mix.

5. The race car skidded did a complete turn-around and blew out its right front tire.

6. At the movies, I like fresh salty buttery popcorn.

7. Strong gusty winds blew across the lake.

8. Gordie can play the guitar the banjo and the mandolin.

9. In order to finish the scenery, do the following: nail the supports together paint the backdrop and put away all the unnecessary tools and paint.

10. Jimmy finished his homework made a phone call and went to bed.

B. Try it! Number your page from 1-10. Copy the following sentences and add commas where necessary.

1. The committee discussed analyzed and accepted the proposal.

2. A fluffy tiger-striped cat was sitting on our porch swing.

3. A small rabbit scooted across our doorstep through the evergreens and under our back porch.

4. Handball racquetball and squash are similar sports. 5. Bowling tennis and jogging are my favourite activities.

6. A long sleek black limousine pulled up in front of the bank.

7. Haley Mollie and Sarah helped design the posters.

8. We need balloons streamers and tape to decorate the gym.

9. The Prime Minister stated the hard clear facts.

10. The magician pulled a green scarf out of the air spread it flat on the table and pulled a pigeon out from under it.

More Comma Practice

Rules: Use commas after introductory words or phrases. Ex. Yes, I will go. After circling twice, the airplane landed.

Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. Ex. Zach, to tell you the truth, was quite happy. The report, however, was not accurate.

A. Copy these sentences. Add commas where necessary. 1. No I don’t think the library is open at lunch. 2. After circling the airport for an hour we finally landed. 3. Although the game was postponed until Wednesday we had practice every morning. 4. Yes I have finished washing the dishes. 5. They exam however will be given on Friday. 6. Ms. McLaughlin to tell the truth was quite please with how her class was practicing using commas. 7. Since the Senators lost their last ten games they will not be in the play offs. 8. The results of the student survey however will not be revealed until next week. 9. No the mail has not been delivered. 10. Even though we arrived early we still didn’t get good seats for the basketball game.

B. Copy these sentences. Add commas where necessary. 1. After we went on the hayride we had a barbecue and played soccer. 2. Yes the garage has been cleaned out. 3. The tv show consequently was cancelled. 4. The latest weather report however has predicted rain for the weekend. 5. Although the heavy snow tied up the morning traffic most companies and businesses were open as usual. 6. Yes intramurals start tomorrow. 7. Since Mardi Gras is such a celebrated occasion in New Orleans most schools there take a holiday. 8. It is doubtful unfortunately that the weather will cancel school tomorrow. 9. Well we could have the yard sale next week instead. 10. If you look carefully at these old pictures you will see how different clothing and hairstyles used to be.

Even More Comma Practice

Rules: Use commas to set off nouns of direct address (someone directly spoken to). Ex. Be careful, children, when you cross the street.

Use commas to set off appositives (pieces of extra information). Ex. The ring leader, the kid wearing the ski mask, ran away.

Use commas to set off the explanatory words in a direct quotation. Ex. Breanna shouted, “Keep your eye on the ball!” “I can’t find my keys,” said Mrs. Lewis. “The spacecraft,” the announcer said, “has just been launched.”