English Comma Exercises

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

Having been told of the test John wondered when he would study.

• Having been told of the test, John wondered when he would study.
• Having been told of the test, John wondered when he would, study.
• Having been told of the test John, wondered when he would study.
• Having been told of the test, John wondered when, he would study.
• Having been told of the test, John wondered, when he would study.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

Wading into the cool lake we found relief from the heat.

• Wading into the cool lake, we found relief, from the heat.
• Wading into the cool lake we found relief from the heat.
• Wading into the cool lake, we found relief from, the heat.
• Wading into the cool lake, we found relief from the heat.
• Wading into the cool lake, we found relief from the heat

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner stopped.

• In the heat of a summer afternoon, our air conditioner stopped.
• In the heat of a summer afternoon, our air conditioner, stopped.
• In the heat of a summer afternoon our, air conditioner stopped.
• In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner, stopped.
• In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner stopped

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.

• After our game with Central High School, our bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School, our, bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School, our bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School our, bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.

• After our game with Central High School, our bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School our, bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School, our, bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.
• After our game with Central High School, our bus broke down.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

Seeing the oncoming car weaving I slowed down.

• Seeing the oncoming car weaving, I slowed down.
• Seeing the oncoming car weaving I slowed down.
• Seeing the oncoming car weaving I, slowed down.
• Seeing the oncoming car weaving, I, slowed down.
• Seeing the oncoming car weaving, I slowed down.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

By the old bridge at the north of town we are meeting for a picnic.

• By the old bridge at the north of town we are meeting for a picnic.
• By the old bridge at the north of town, we are meeting for a picnic.
• By the old bridge at the north of town, we are meeting for a picnic.
• By the old bridge at the north of town, we are meeting for a picnic
• By the old bridge at the north of town, we are meeting for a picnic.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

At the last meeting of the cheerleaders Janie was elected captain.

• At the last meeting of the cheerleaders Janie was elected, captain.
• At the last meeting of the cheerleaders, Janie was, elected captain.
• At the last meeting of the cheerleaders, Janie, was elected captain.
• At the last meeting of the cheerleaders, Janie was elected captain.
• At the last meeting of the cheerleaders, Janie was elected, captain.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

Noticing the dark clouds we thought it would rain.

• Noticing the dark clouds, we thought it would rain.
• Noticing the dark clouds, we thought it, would rain.
• Noticing the dark clouds, we thought, it would rain.
• Noticing the dark clouds we, thought it would rain.
• Noticing the dark clouds we thought, it would rain.

Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause.

Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.

In the middle of our math class Tim became ill.

• In the middle of our, math class Tim became ill.
• In the middle of our math class, Tim became, ill.
• In the middle of our math class, Tim, became ill.
• In the middle of our math class Tim became ill.
• In the middle of our math class, Tim became ill.