Comma Rules: A Lesson with Practice and Worksheets

ByDylan Callens

Comma Rules Lesson: Teach the most useful comma rules with examples students can apply immediately: lists, introductory elements, nonessential details, and independent clauses joined by FANBOYS.

← All grammar lessons and worksheets

Lesson Content

📒 Notes on Comma Rules

  • Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
    Example: After dinner, we went for a walk.

  • Use commas to separate items in a list (the Oxford comma is optional, but recommended for clarity).
    Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

  • Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it joins two independent clauses.
    Example: I wanted to go outside, but it started raining.

  • Use commas to set off nonessential information.
    Example: My brother, who lives in Toronto, is visiting.

  • Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives describing the same noun.
    Example: It was a long, tiring day.

  • Use commas with direct addresses, interjections, and tag questions.
    Example: Let’s eat, Grandma!

  • Use commas with dates, addresses, numbers, and quotations.
    Example: On July 4, 1776, the Declaration was signed.

👥 Practice Together

Add commas where needed:

  1. Before we leave for the trip we need to pack our bags.

  2. I want to adopt a playful cuddly puppy.

  3. Sarah who is my best friend is moving away.

  4. I finished my homework and I played video games.

  5. Well that’s not what I expected.

✅ Answer Key for Practice Together

  1. Before we leave for the trip, we need to pack our bags.

  2. I want to adopt a playful, cuddly puppy.

  3. Sarah, who is my best friend, is moving away.

  4. I finished my homework, and I played video games.

  5. Well, that’s not what I expected.


Click here for student worksheet.

Click here for teacher answer key.

Back to the Grammar Lessons

Apply and Extend This Grammar Skill

Exit ticket: Write one sentence with an introductory clause and one with two independent clauses joined by and or but. Mark the commas and explain both rules.

Next lessons: independent and dependent clauses · compound sentences. Explore the complete Grammar Lessons hub.

Plot Twist! interactive English classroom review game

A FREE CLASSROOM GAME FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

Make your next English review a Plot Twist!

Bring some unexpected fun to your next lesson. Get a free game of Plot Twist!, the ultimate classroom review game, and discover fresh ideas for teaching English.

Subscribe for English teaching ideas and occasional resource updates, plus your free Plot Twist! game. You can unsubscribe from emails at any time.