2.6 Use Commas in a Series

Why do writers use commas when writing sentences that includes items in a series?

• Writers use commas to separate a series of three or more things, actions, or phrases. Commas in a series separate items or actions so the reader can identify each intended item. In other words, use commas as separators to keep the items or actions in discrete chunks and to ease communication.

• Writers use commas to join a series of three or more things, actions, or phrases. Commas in a series join items or actions so the reader can identify each intended item.

• Adding commas to our sentences when including items in a series add nothing to sentences; they serve no additional purpose.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

When crafting sentences that include a series of three or more things, actions, or phrases, where do writers place the commas?

• BEFORE the item listed the sentence.

• No comma is needed when crafting sentences that include a series of three or more things, actions, or phrases

• AFTER the item listed in the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

When writing sentences that include three or more items in a series, what are two coordinating conjunctions writers can choose to use before the last item they are listing in the series? SELECT TWO CHOICES.

• none

• and

• when

• or

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Read the sentence. The commas in the sentence have been removed. Where should the writer place the commas? Edit the sentence to show your thinking. (TYPE OUT YOUR EDITED SENTENCE.)

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Write a sentence that uses commas when listing three or more items (things, actions, or phrases) in a series. Be sure to use internal punctuation such as a comma appropriately within the sentence, proper capitalization, and appropriate ending punctuation.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A