Comma Rules — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
I packed my lunch a water bottle and my homework for school.
Corrected: I packed my lunch, a water bottle, and my homework for school.
The corrected sentence is: "I packed my lunch, a water bottle, and my homework for school.". The original sentence "I packed my lunch a water bottle and my homework for school." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
After the game we went out for pizza with the whole team.
Corrected: After the game, we went out for pizza with the whole team.
The corrected sentence is: "After the game, we went out for pizza with the whole team.". The original sentence "After the game we went out for pizza with the whole team." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
She bought markers colored pencils and a notebook at the store.
Corrected: She bought markers, colored pencils, and a notebook at the store.
The corrected sentence is: "She bought markers, colored pencils, and a notebook at the store.". The original sentence "She bought markers colored pencils and a notebook at the store." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. When listing three or more items in a sentence, use commas to separate them.
Commas separate items in a series to make the list clear.
2. The comma placed before "and" in a list of three items is called the Oxford comma.
The Oxford (serial) comma is the comma before the final 'and' in a series: 'red, white, and blue.'
3. After an introductory word like "Finally" or "However," you should add a comma.
A comma after an introductory word separates it from the main clause.
4. In the sentence "Yes, I will be there," the comma comes after an introductory word.
'Yes' is an introductory word and needs a comma after it.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Write a sentence that lists four things you would bring on a camping trip. Use commas correctly, including the Oxford comma.
Sample answer: I would bring a tent, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, and snacks for the trip.
The Oxford comma appears before 'and' in the final item: tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, and snacks.
2. Why do we place a comma after an introductory phrase like "Before breakfast"?
Sample answer: We place a comma after an introductory phrase to show the reader where the introduction ends and the main part of the sentence begins, which makes the sentence easier to read.
The comma signals the transition from the introductory element to the main clause.