Introduction to Commas Worksheet

Quick Guide to Comma Usage

Commas are used to:

  1. Separate items in a list
    Example: I need eggs, milk, and bread.
  2. Separate independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)
    Example: I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
  3. Set off introductory words or phrases
    Example: However, we decided to watch a movie instead.
  4. Separate non-essential information
    Example: My brother, who is 10 years old, loves playing soccer.

1. Which sentence uses a comma correctly to separate items in a list?

a) I like apples oranges and bananas.

b) I like apples, oranges and bananas.

c) I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

d) I like, apples, oranges, and bananas.

2. Choose the sentence that correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction:

a) I wanted to go swimming but the pool was closed.

b) I wanted to go swimming, but the pool was closed.

c) I wanted to go swimming but, the pool was closed.

d) I wanted to go, swimming but the pool was closed.

3. Which sentence correctly uses a comma to set off an introductory word?

a) Unfortunately we couldn't find our lost cat.

b) Unfortunately, we couldn't find our lost cat.

c) Unfortunately we, couldn't find our lost cat.

d) Unfortunately we couldn't find, our lost cat.

4. Select the sentence that correctly uses commas to separate non-essential information:

a) My best friend who lives next door is coming over later.

b) My best friend, who lives next door is coming over later.

c) My best friend, who lives next door, is coming over later.

d) My best friend who lives next door, is coming over later.

5. Which sentence uses commas correctly in a date?

a) The party is on July 4 2024 at noon.

b) The party is on July 4, 2024 at noon.

c) The party is on July, 4, 2024 at noon.

d) The party is on July 4, 2024, at noon.

6. Choose the sentence with correct comma usage for a city and state:

a) I'm moving to Portland Oregon next month.

b) I'm moving to Portland, Oregon next month.

c) I'm moving to Portland, Oregon, next month.

d) I'm moving to Portland Oregon, next month.

7. Which sentence correctly uses commas in a series of adjectives?

a) She wore a long red silk dress to the party.

b) She wore a long, red silk dress to the party.

c) She wore a long, red, silk dress to the party.

d) She wore a long red, silk dress to the party.

8. Select the sentence that uses a comma correctly with a quote:

a) The teacher said "Please open your books to page 42."

b) The teacher said, "Please open your books to page 42."

c) The teacher said "Please open your books to page 42".

d) The teacher said, "Please open your books to page 42".

9. Which sentence correctly uses a comma in a compound sentence?

a) I love pizza and my sister prefers pasta.

b) I love pizza, and my sister prefers pasta.

c) I love pizza and, my sister prefers pasta.

d) I love pizza and my sister, prefers pasta.

10. Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly to set off a parenthetical element:

a) The old car, which hadn't been driven in years still ran perfectly.

b) The old car which hadn't been driven in years, still ran perfectly.

c) The old car, which hadn't been driven in years, still ran perfectly.

d) The old car which hadn't been driven in years still ran perfectly.