Lesson: Separate Items in a Series of Three or More

What is the primary use of a comma in a sentence?

• To separate words or groups of words

• To end a sentence

• To indicate a question

• To show possession

According to Rule 1, when should commas be used in a series?

• When there are two items

• When there are three or more items

• When there is only one item

• When there are no items

Which of the following is an example of using commas to separate nouns in a series?

• Barbecue, hammock, canoe, and moccasin

• Stop, look, and listen

• Cold, gray, and calm

• Checking, fastening, and positioning

Which of the following is an example of using commas to separate verbs in a series?

• Cold, gray, and calm

• Stop, look, and listen

• Barbecue, hammock, canoe, and moccasin

• Checking, fastening, and positioning

Which of the following is an example of using commas to separate adjectives in a series?

• Cold, gray, and calm

• Stop, look, and listen

• Barbecue, hammock, canoe, and moccasin

• Checking, fastening, and positioning

Which of the following is an example of using commas to separate participial phrases in a series?

• Checking his shoelaces, fastening his helmet strap, and positioning his knee pads

• Cold, gray, and calm

• Stop, look, and listen

• Barbecue, hammock, canoe, and moccasin

Which of the following is an example of using commas to separate prepositional phrases in a series?

• On the sand, under the rocks, and in our shoes

• Cold, gray, and calm

• Stop, look, and listen

• Barbecue, hammock, canoe, and moccasin

Which of the following is an example of using commas to separate short independent clauses in a series?

• The lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and the orchestra began to play

• Cold, gray, and calm

• Stop, look, and listen

• Barbecue, hammock, canoe, and moccasin

When should you not use commas to separate items in a series?

• When all the items are joined by and, or, or nor

• When there are three or more items

• When there are two items

• When there is only one item