Comma Rules

Comma Rule #1:

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction to separate two independent sentences.

Which sentence follows this rule correctly?

• On the first day of school my parents took 50 pictures, and three videos.

• Fifty pictures and three videos later, my parents stopped freaking out.

• I had waffles for breakfast, and my brother ate cinnamon rolls.

• After breakfast, we started our classes on-line but we were sleepy

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Comma Rule #2: Use a comma in a complex sentence if the subordinate clause precedes the independent clause.

Which sentences exemplifies this rule correctly?

• After the show, we will go for pizza.

• We will go for pizza, after the show.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Comma Rule #3: Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases or clauses in a series.

Which sentence follows this rule INCORRECTLY.

• She was known for her funny jokes, kind words, and love of dogs.

• She is athletic, quirky and smart.

• He lived in Italy for two years, Japan for one year, Germany for six years, and Australia for ten months.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Comma Rule #4: Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.

Which sentence has coordinate adjectives?

• Dogs, cats, and birds filled the old lady's house.

• Quickly, swiftly running, she caught up with her team.

• She was known for her reading, writing, and speaking skills.

• The floor was a sticky, dirty mess after the boy spilled his lunch.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Comma Rule #5: Use commas after an introductory word, phrase, or interjection.

Use a comma in direct address, after the noun that names the person being addressed.

Which sentence needs editing?

• Oh no I brought the wrong folder!

• Well, my dog ate my homework again.

• Charlie, I need to borrow your umbrella.

• Seriously, John?

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Comma Rule #6: Use a comma after a transition word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence.

Where should the comma be placed in the following sentence?

In other words it is normal for goats to climb into trees or on top of large rocks.

• put a comma after trees and before or

• put a comma after words and before it

• put a comma after or and before on

• put a comma after normal and before for

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Comma Rule #7: Use commas to set off nonrestrictive phrases and clauses in the middle of a sentence.

Which sentence uses commas with a nonrestrictive clause correctly?

• He unfortunately ran out of gas, and they were stranded on the side of the road.

• Mr. Gallagher the best English teacher at my school has a huge collection of books.

• If it wasn't for my friends Zach and Slater, I would have never made it to the football game on time.

• Susie, a known klutz, broke her nose when she walked into the wall.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Comma Rule #8: Use commas with places and dates.

Check each example that is done correctly.

(There is more than one correct answer.)

• I live in San Antonio, Texas.

• My dad was born on November 29, 1938 in Livingston, Montana.

• Before moving to San Antonio, Texas, I lived in London England.

• In the United States, Independence day is celebrated on the 4th, of July.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.2B

CCSS.L.3.2B

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.6.2A