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Commas Worksheets

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The main comma rules with a chart, add-the-comma practice, and proofreading pages, all with keys.

Download the commas worksheets

Comma Rules Chart

Eight comma rules with an example of each, to read together and keep.

  • Preview of the printable “Comma rules” worksheet: knowing the main comma rules: series, introductory elements, yes and no, tag questions, direct address, compound sentences, dates, and placesView larger

    Comma rules

    Knowing the main comma rules: series, introductory elements, yes and no, tag questions, direct address, compound sentences, dates, and places

    1 page34 KB

Practice Each Comma Rule

Add commas in a series, after introductory elements, with yes and no, in direct address, with tag questions, and in compound sentences, dates, and places.

  • Preview of the printable “Commas after introductory elements” worksheet: using a comma to separate an introductory word, phrase, or clause from the rest of the sentenceView all 2 pages

    Commas after introductory elements

    Using a comma to separate an introductory word, phrase, or clause from the rest of the sentence

    Answer key on page 2

    2 pages41 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Commas with tag questions” worksheet: using a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentenceView all 2 pages

    Commas with tag questions

    Using a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence

    Answer key on page 2

    2 pages48 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Commas in compound Sentences, Dates, and places” worksheet: using commas in compound sentences, dates, and place namesView all 2 pages

    Commas in compound Sentences, Dates, and places

    Using commas in compound sentences, dates, and place names

    Answer key on page 2

    2 pages42 KB

Comma Review and Proofreading

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence, add commas for mixed rules, and proofread two paragraphs.

  • Preview of the printable “Which comma is Correct?” worksheet: choosing the sentence with correct comma use (mixed comma rules)View all 2 pages

    Which comma is Correct?

    Choosing the sentence with correct comma use (mixed comma rules)

    Answer key on page 2

    2 pages56 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Comma review” worksheet: using commas for series, introductory elements, yes and no, tag questions, direct address, compound sentences, dates, and placesView all 2 pages

    Comma review

    Using commas for series, introductory elements, yes and no, tag questions, direct address, compound sentences, dates, and places

    Answer key on page 2

    2 pages41 KB

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About these commas worksheets

A comma tells the reader to pause, and it keeps words and ideas from running together. Most commas follow a handful of rules. Use commas between three or more items in a series, with one before the and: "We packed apples, cheese, and crackers." Put a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause: "However, the gate was locked." "When the rain stopped, we went outside."

Commas also set off words that are not part of the main sentence. Put a comma after yes or no at the start ("Yes, you may go"), before a tag question at the end ("It's warm today, isn't it?"), and around the name of someone you are speaking to ("Ivy, come and look!"). A comma in direct address can change the meaning: "Let's draw, Dad" asks Dad to draw with you, while "Let's draw Dad" means you will draw a picture of him.

A few more rules round out the list: a comma before and, but, or, or so when it joins two sentences ("I knocked, but no one answered"), between the day and the year in a date ("August 28, 2023"), and between a city and its state ("Tulsa, Oklahoma").

These printable worksheets begin with a comma rules chart, then give practice for each rule with sentences shown without their commas. Review pages ask children to pick the correctly punctuated sentence, add commas for mixed rules, and proofread paragraphs. Every practice page has an answer key.

Standards

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.AUse punctuation to separate items in a series.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.BUse a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.CUse a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence (e.g., It's true, isn't it?), and to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you, Steve?).

How to use them

  1. Read the Comma Rules chart together and find an example of each rule in a book you are reading.
  2. Practice one rule at a time: series, introductory elements, yes and no, direct address, and tag questions.
  3. Use Which Comma Is Correct? and Comma Review to mix the rules together.
  4. Finish with Proofread for Commas, then have children check their own writing for the same rules.

Teaching tips

  • Read sentences aloud. A natural pause is often a clue, but always check the rule.
  • We always use a comma before the and in a list of three or more. It keeps every item clear.
  • For direct address, ask: is the person being spoken to? If so, set the name off with commas.
  • Tag questions flip the statement: a yes statement gets a no tag ("isn't it?"), and a no statement gets a yes tag ("is it?").

Questions teachers and parents ask

What are the main comma rules?

Use commas between items in a series, after an introductory word, phrase, or clause, after yes and no, before a tag question, around a name in direct address, before a conjunction that joins two sentences, in dates, and between a city and a state.

What is direct address?

Direct address is speaking to someone by name, as in "Ruby, please sit down" or "Thank you, Dr. Fields, for your help." The name is set off with commas.

What is a tag question?

A short question added to the end of a statement, such as "isn't it?" or "can we?" A comma goes before it: "The test is on Friday, isn't it?"

Which grade learns these comma rules?

Commas in a series, after introductory elements, with yes and no, with tag questions, and in direct address are 5th grade skills. Younger children can start with the chart and the series page.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Every practice page has a key.