Commas Worksheet

Use commas . . .

• In compound sentences to separate independent clauses

  • I called my mom, but I forgot to tell her about the party.
    This sentence is made up of two independent clauses:
    

    • I called my mom.
    • I forgot to tell her about the party.
      
      

    Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses.

  • I called my mom but forgot to tell her about the party.
    
    NO comma is required here because the sentence has a compound predicate but is NOT a compound sentence. The second part does not have a subject.

• After introductory word groups (but NOT when these words groups appear at the end of the sentence)

  • After I called my mom, I went to class. (Introductory adverb clause)

    • No comma needed: I went to class after I called my mom.

  • After the party at my friend's house, I stayed for a sleepover. (Two introductory prepositional phrases)

    • No comma needed: I stayed for a sleepover after the party at my friend's house.

• In a series

  • My aunts, uncles, and cousins came to the party. (A series is made up of at least three items.)

    • Do NOT use commas if all of the items in a series are separated by conjunctions: We cannot see or smell or taste pure air.

    • The final comma in a series (right before the and) is called an Oxford comma. Many grammar books will tell you that this final comma is optional--unless needed for clarity: These items are available in black and white, red and yellow, and blue and green.

      • Read more about the "Oxford comma."

      • Here's a longer, wordier discussion of the "Oxford comma.")

• Around interrupters

  • The rain, however, soon dried up.

  • Some common interrupters: however, of course, for example, on the whole, I suppose, and if possible. (See frames #1846 & 1847, pp. 314 & 316, for other examples.)

• In conventional places in addresses and dates

  • You can reach us at 1 Angwin Avenue, Angwin, California 94508, once school starts. (Set off the parts of an address with commas. Do NOT separate the state and zip with a comma.)

    • If only one address part is used, and it is joined into the sentence by a preposition, do not use commas: Write to PUC Prep in Angwin for more information.

  • On Wednesday, March 1, 2006, the seniors will leave for Hawaii. (Do NOT separate the month and day with a comma.)

    • If only one part of the date is used, no comma is necessary: The seniors leave in March for Hawaii.

Directions: Insert appropriate commas into the sentences below. (Not all sentences may require commas.)

1. The Browns had lived at 305 May Hill Road Angwin California for many years.

2. On Wednesday August 19 two police officers came to their door.

3. A neighbor apparently had reported the Browns to the police because they mistreated their dog.

4. Their dog was named FeeFee and she weighed about five pounds.

5. Did the neighbor or anyone else ever see this abuse?

6. No they never actually saw the Browns mistreating their dog.

7. The Browns' daughter however had told the neighbors that the dog frequently whimpered and cried and howled.

8. Would a dog make this kind of noise unless she were mistreated?

9. When the Browns heard this accusation they were of course quite upset.

10. My what an embarrassing situation!

11. They loved FeeFee fed her expensive food bathed her frequently and never hurt her.

12. What was the cause do you suppose of the complaint?

13. The dog was very sensitive and a spanking would make her cry.

14. The slightest push shove or tap would make her whimper.

15. If Mr. or Mrs. Brown spoke harshly to the dog she would howl sadly.

16. She seemed so sensitive that naturally they hardly ever scolded or punished her.

17. No the Browns could not be said to be abusive to their dog.

18. The Browns occasionally reprimanded the dog but they never yelled at her.

19. As Mr. Brown was talking to the police officers FeeFee came to investigate.

20. FeeFee playfully jumped on one of the officers and Mr. Brown quietly told the dog to get down.

21. Mr. Brown spoke in a gentle way but the dog howled mournfully.

22. The police officers chuckled and went on their way.

23. Well have you ever heard of a dog as sensitive as FeeFee?

[Click here for answers.]