Year 4 English — Commas in a list

Use commas to separate the things in a list, and to mark off the person you are speaking to.

Name: ________________________

1.Which sentence has its commas in the right places?
- a) I packed a book a pen and a ruler.
- b) I packed, a book a pen and a ruler.
- c) I packed a book, a pen and, a ruler.
- d) I packed a book, a pen and a ruler.
2.This sentence has lost its commas: "The kit had scissors tape and pins." Which word does the first comma go straight after?
3.Which sentence needs no commas at all?
- a) I like mangoes bananas grapes and figs.
- b) Come here Nita.
- c) I like mangoes and grapes.
- d) I like mangoes bananas and grapes.
4.In a list, which word usually comes before the last thing?
- a) then
- b) and
- c) but
- d) or else
5.How many things are being listed in "The box held nails, screws, string and glue"?
- a) five
- b) four
- c) two
- d) three
6.Sort each sentence by the job its comma is doing.
Groups: Separating a list · Naming the person spoken to
- We need bread, milk and eggs.
- The shed held nails, screws and a hammer.
- She packed shoes, socks and a cap.
- Well done, Kabir.
- Come inside, Meera.
- Please pass the salt, Arun.
7.Put the cards in order to make one sentence with a list in it.
- a pencil,
- I need
- a ruler
- and a sharpener.
8.This sentence has lost its commas: "We bought bread milk and jam." Which word does the first comma go straight after?

Answer key — Year 4 English — Commas in a list

1. d) I packed a book, a pen and a ruler.
2. scissors
3. c) I like mangoes and grapes.
4. b) and
5. b) four
6. Come inside, Meera. → Naming the person spoken to; We need bread, milk and eggs. → Separating a list; Please pass the salt, Arun. → Naming the person spoken to; She packed shoes, socks and a cap. → Separating a list; Well done, Kabir. → Naming the person spoken to; The shed held nails, screws and a hammer. → Separating a list
7. 1. I need 2. a pencil, 3. a ruler 4. and a sharpener.
8. bread