Commas Revision

Commas

The comma is a powerful tool

For a small punctuation mark, the comma does lots of different jobs. Work through the following slides and questions to check your knowledge.

Commas separate things in a list

- Commas can break up lists of three or more things.

- Put a comma after each item in the list.

- When you get to the end of your list you don't need a comma because you can use 'and' or 'or' instead.

For example,

I went shopping for eggs, bread, milk and chocolate.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses the commas correctly?

• I play netball basketball hockey and football.

• I play netball, basketball, hockey, football.

• I play netball, basketball, hockey and football.

Commas can join two sentences

- Two simple sentences (also called 'clauses') can be joined by using a joining word and a comma.

- Joining words are words like 'and', 'but' and 'so'.

- The comma is added before the joining word.

For example

I have to leave. I can't find my coat.

I have to leave, but I can't find my coat.

The comma is helpful, but don't expect it to hold the weight of two full sentences on its own!

If you have two complete sentences that you want to join together, don't just put a comma between them.

For example,

I like to dance, Caroline likes to sing.

You need to add a joining word or a different punctuation mark.

I like to dance, and Caroline likes to sing.

Multiple Select

Tick the sentences where the comma and the joining word have been used correctly.

• I love dogs, but I'm allergic to cats.

• The road is closed so, I need to take the train.

• I have a sister, and she is really funny.

• It's cold today, so I'll wear a scarf.

Don't let your sentences run away with you!

If you have two sentences but you don't use any punctuation or words to link them, this is called a 'run-on' sentence. Avoid this in your own writing.

For example,

Jenny ran the race well she came third overall. X

Jenny ran the race well, and she came third overall. CORRECT!

Multiple Select

Below is a 'run-on sentence'. Tick all of the correct alternative options from the list.

She had pasta I had pizza.

• She had pasta, but I had pizza.

• She had pasta. I had pizza.

• She had pasta, although I pizza.

Commas can separate extra information

- Extra information in a sentence can be separated using commas.

- Extra information adds detail, but you don't need it for the sentence to make sense.

For example,

The cat, who had a long tail, was really fluffy.

(If you took the extra information away, the sentence would still make sense. 'The cat was really fluffy.'

Multiple Select

Tick the sentences where the comma has correctly separated extra information.

• The house which was old, had a leaking roof.

• My car, although covered in rust, is blue.

• Sam, who was my best friend in primary school, moved away

• The film, which has lots of violence, is not suitable for children.

Commas can add extra information at the beginning of a sentence

Sometimes extra information can come at the start or end of a sentence.

When the extra information comes at the start of a sentence, you can use a comma.

For example

When she made the joke, everyone in the room laughed.

Multiple Select

Tick the sentences where the extra information and comma has been used correctly.

• Although she was shy, Danni loved to dance.

• When he went bowling, he got the highest score!

• Whilst at the garage, Debby decided to get her car cleaned.

• When it gets to the end of the day the children like to play games.

Commas introduce speech in writing

Commas are used to introduce speech when writing.

For example,

The director shouted, 'Action!'

Tom asked, 'please can I have some help?'

When the sentence continues after the speech, you'll need to use another comma.

The director shouted, 'Action', and the actors began the scene.

Multiple Select

Tick the sentences where the speech has been correctly introduced with a comma.

• I shouted at him 'I'm not happy about this!'

• Gary said, 'I really like Game of Thrones.'

• Angel answered, 'I have no idea!'

• She asked, 'can you help me move this table?'

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are commas NOT used for?

• Separating items in a list

• Introducing a list

• Introducing direct speech

Multiple Select

Is the comma used correctly in the following sentence?

The cat sat, on the mat.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Is the comma used correctly in the next sentence?

We bought cakes, rolls and a doughnut at the bakery.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is the comma used in this sentence correctly?

The garden still needs plenty of work, but the weather has been good.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Which of the following contains the correct punctuation?

• Let's eat Grandma,

• Let's eat, Grandma.

• Let's, eat Grandma

Great Job!

If you need to do some more revision, you can retake this quiz or check out BBC bitesize for lots of great revision materials.