Comma Usage and Placement

Name: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________

Part A: Commas in Lists

Add commas where needed in these sentences.

  1. 1. For the school trip we need to bring sunscreen a hat a water bottle and lunch.
  2. 2. The science project requires beakers test tubes a Bunsen burner and safety goggles.
  3. 3. My favourite subjects are mathematics English physical education and art.
  4. 4. The recipe calls for flour sugar eggs butter and vanilla extract.

Part B: Commas in Compound Sentences

Add commas before the coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, yet).

  1. 1. I wanted to play rugby but the field was too wet.
  2. 2. She studied hard for the test so she felt confident during the exam.
  3. 3. We can go to the library or we can work in the computer lab.
  4. 4. The weather forecast predicted rain yet the sun was shining brightly.

Part C: Commas After Introductory Phrases

Add a comma after the introductory phrase or clause.

  1. 1. After finishing my homework I watched television for an hour.
  2. 2. In the early morning mist covered the entire valley.
  3. 3. Before the bell rang students lined up outside the classroom.
  4. 4. Despite the cold weather we enjoyed our camping trip.

Part D: Commas with Appositives

Add commas around the appositive (a word or phrase that renames the noun).

  1. 1. My brother a talented musician plays guitar in a band.
  2. 2. Wellington the capital of New Zealand is known for its strong winds.
  3. 3. Mrs Thompson our maths teacher has taught at this school for ten years.
  4. 4. The kiwi a flightless bird is native to New Zealand.

Part E: Mixed Practice

Add all necessary commas to these sentences.

  1. 1. Although it was raining we decided to go hiking and we had a great time.
  2. 2. My best friend Sarah loves reading mystery novels science fiction and poetry.
  3. 3. During the assembly the principal our new leader gave an inspiring speech.