Punctuation: Commas
A comma ( , ) is a small punctuation mark that tells the reader to pause briefly. Commas help make writing clearer and easier to understand.
Commas in Lists
When listing three or more things, use a comma between each item. Use and before the last item (no comma before and at the end).
I have a dog a cat and a fish.
I have a dog, a cat and a fish. ✓
Commas for Clarity
See how a comma changes the meaning completely!
“Let's eat Grandma.” 😱
“Let's eat, Grandma.” 😄
The comma before “Grandma” shows we are talking TO Grandma, not about eating her!
Commas After Time/Place
When a sentence starts with a time or place phrase, use a comma after it.
On Saturday, we went to the beach.
In the morning, I eat breakfast.
After school, I do homework.
What Commas Are NOT
- ✗ A comma is not a full stop — the sentence continues.
- ✗ Don't use a comma to join two full sentences (use a conjunction like and, but, because).
- ✓ A comma is just a short pause, not a stop.
More Examples
LIST OF ADJECTIVES
The puppy was small, fluffy, brown and very cute.
TIME OPENER
Last summer, my family went to Queensland.
LIST OF ACTIONS
We swam, built sandcastles, ate ice cream and watched the sunset.
Key Vocabulary
Knowledge Check
Question 1
Which sentence uses commas correctly in a list?
Question 2
Where does the comma go? — “In the evening __ we watched a film.”
Question 3
How many commas are needed in this sentence? — “The bag was blue heavy dirty and old.”
Question 4
What does a comma signal to a reader?
Lesson Summary
- ✓A comma signals a brief pause — the sentence continues after it.
- ✓Use commas between items in a list. Use “and” before the last item.
- ✓Use a comma after a time or place opener at the start of a sentence.
- ✓A comma is a pause, not a stop. Full stops end sentences; commas do not.