Basic Comma Rules

Basic Comma Rules

Poll

Before we begin, rate how much you know about commas.

• What is a comma?

• I know a few ways to use commas, but I am mostly unsure of comma rules.

• I can use commas correctly most of the time.

• I am a comma expert, and I could teach this lesson right now!

1 - Separating items in a list​

• This week we will review commas, read a screenplay, and take a test.

• ​Do you want pizza, a burger, or a sandwich?

Multiple Choice

How many commas are needed in the following sentence?

This weekend I went to the park the costume store and my uncle's house.

• 0

• 1

• 2

• 3

Multiple Choice

How many commas are needed in the following sentence?

Do you want to watch a scary or a funny movie?

• 0

• 1

• 2

• 3

Multiple Choice

How many commas are needed in the following sentence?

The students in our class are reading books about dragons wizards murderers and many other interesting characters.

• 0

• 1

• 2

• 3

2 - between a city and state/Country​

​

• Most students at Greiner are from Dallas, Texas

​

• ​I want to visit Dublin, Ireland next year.

Open Ended

Write a sentence telling me where you would want to visit. You must include a city and the state/country it is in.

EXAMPLE: I want to visit Dallas, Texas.

3 - When giving date information​

​

BETWEEN A NUMBERED DATE AND THE YEAR:

• Today is August 5, 2026.

​

BETWEEN THE DAY OF THE WEEK AND THE MONTH

• Everyone can dress up as a Disney character on Friday, October 29th.

Open Ended

Write a sentence stating today's day of the week and date using the appropriate commas.

EXAMPLE: Today is Monday, January 1st, 2021.

4 - After an independent Clause & BEFORE A FANBOY in a compound Sentence​

​​

IC , CC IC

• The Eternals movie comes out next week, so all the Marvel fans are very excited!

Multiple Choice

Which compound sentence is correctly punctuated?

• Let's go to the party so we can hang out with all our friends!

• Let's go to the party so, we can hang out with all our friends!

• Let's go to the party, so we can hang out with all our friends!

• Let's go to the party so we can hang out, with all our friends!

Multiple Choice

Which compound sentence is correctly punctuated?

• Will you play volleyball this year or are you going to play basketball instead?

• Will you play volleyball this year, or are you going to play basketball instead?

• Will you play volleyball this year or, are you going to play basketball instead?

• Will you, play volleyball this year or are you going to play basketball instead?

Multiple Choice

Which compound sentence is correctly punctuated?

• Commas are small in size, but they have a large impact.

• Commas are small in size but they have a large impact.

• Commas are small in size but, they have a large impact.

• Commas are small in size, but, they have a large impact.

5 - After a Dependent Clause in a compLex Sentence​

​​

DC , IC

• When you answer a STAAR stemmed question, it is important to take your time and use strategies.

Multiple Choice

Which complex sentence below follows the DC , IC formula correctly?

• While I read my book, I visualize the images the author is describing.

• While I read my book I visualize the images the author is describing.

Multiple Choice

Which complex sentence below follows the DC , IC formula correctly?

• If you look for AAAWWUUBBIS words, you will be able to spot a dependent clause!

• You will be able to spot a dependent clause, if you look for AAAWWUUBBIS words.

Multiple Choice

Which complex sentence below follows the DC , IC formula correctly?

• I went to bed, after I finished my book.

• After I finished my book, I went to bed.

Poll

Now that we've reviewed, rate how much you know about the 5 basic rules of commas.

• What is a comma?

• I know a few ways to use commas, but I am mostly unsure of comma rules.

• I can use commas correctly most of the time.

• I am a comma expert, and I could teach this lesson right now!

THIS WEEK WE WILL ALSO DISCUSS Comma Rules for:​

• Direct Address

• ​Appositives

• Quoting in Text

• ​Introductory Phrases