Comma Usage Quiz for 4th Graders

My favorite fruits are apples bananas and oranges.

• My favorite fruits are apples, bananas, and oranges.

• My favorite fruits are apples bananas and oranges.

• My favorite fruits are apples, bananas and oranges.

• My favorite fruits, are apples bananas and oranges.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes proper punctuation with commas separating the items in the list. The phrase 'apples, bananas, and oranges' is grammatically correct, while the other options lack proper punctuation.

The dog barked loudly but it didn't scare the mailman.

• The dog barked loudly but it didn't scare the mailman.

• The dog barked loudly, but it didn't scare the mailman.

• The dog, barked loudly but it didn't scare the mailman.

• The dog barked loudly but, it didn't scare the mailman.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes a comma before 'but', which is necessary for proper punctuation in compound sentences. The other options either lack the comma or misuse it, making them incorrect.

On Saturday we went to the park and played soccer.

• On Saturday we went to the park and played soccer.

• On Saturday we, went to the park and played soccer.

• On Saturday, we went to the park and played soccer.

• On Saturday, we went to the park, and played soccer.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes a comma after 'Saturday' to separate the introductory phrase, making it grammatically correct. The other options either misuse commas or add unnecessary punctuation.

She packed her lunch which included a sandwich an apple and a cookie.

• She packed her lunch which included a sandwich, an apple, and a cookie.

• She packed her lunch, which included a sandwich an apple and a cookie.

• She packed her lunch, which included a sandwich, an apple, and a cookie.

• She packed her lunch which included a sandwich an apple and a cookie.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes necessary commas for clarity. It correctly separates items in the list with commas and uses a comma before 'which' to introduce the non-restrictive clause.

After school I will go to the library to study for my math test.

• After school I will go to the library to study for my math test.

• After school, I will go to the library to study for my math test.

• After school I will, go to the library to study for my math test.

• After school, I will go to the library, to study for my math test.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes a comma after 'After school' for proper punctuation. The other options either lack necessary commas or incorrectly place them, making the second option the only grammatically correct sentence.

The tall man wearing a blue hat walked past us.

• The tall man wearing a blue hat walked past us.

• The tall man, wearing a blue hat, walked past us.

• The tall man wearing a blue hat, walked past us.

• The tall man, wearing a blue hat walked past us.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes commas that properly set off the non-restrictive clause 'wearing a blue hat'. This clarifies that the description is additional information about the tall man, making it grammatically correct.

For my birthday I want a new bike a skateboard and a video game.

• For my birthday I want a new bike a skateboard and a video game.

• For my birthday I want a new bike, a skateboard, and a video game.

• For my birthday, I want a new bike, a skateboard and a video game.

• For my birthday I want a new bike, a skateboard and a video game.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes proper punctuation with commas separating the items in the list. The correct answer is: 'For my birthday I want a new bike, a skateboard, and a video game.' This clarifies the items being requested.

My friends Sarah Emily and John are coming over today.

• My friends Sarah, Emily and John are coming over today.

• My friends, Sarah, Emily, and John are coming over today.

• My friends Sarah, Emily and John, are coming over today.

• My friends Sarah Emily and John are coming over today.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes commas to separate the items in the list and before 'and' for clarity. Thus, 'My friends, Sarah, Emily, and John are coming over today.' is the grammatically correct option.

The movie was exciting and it made me laugh a lot.

• The movie was exciting and it made me laugh a lot.

• The movie was exciting, and it made me laugh a lot.

• The movie was exciting and, it made me laugh a lot.

• The movie was, exciting and it made me laugh a lot.

Answer explanation

The correct choice uses a comma before 'and' to separate two independent clauses, enhancing clarity. The other options either lack the comma or misplace it, making them grammatically incorrect.

In the morning I like to drink coffee read the news and plan my day.

• In the morning I like to drink coffee read the news and plan my day.

• In the morning, I like to drink coffee, read the news, and plan my day.

• In the morning I like to drink coffee, read the news and plan my day.

• In the morning I like to drink coffee read the news, and plan my day.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes proper punctuation: commas after 'morning' and 'coffee', which clarifies the list of activities. This enhances readability and follows grammatical conventions.