Comma Control
Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
A. After lunch we went outside.
B. After lunch, we went outside.
B. After lunch, we went outside.
The comma follows the introductory phrase “After lunch.”
Choose the correct contraction for “do not.”
A. dont
B. don’t
C. do’nt
B. don’t
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter o.
Which marks show a speaker’s exact words?
Quotation marks
Quotation marks show the exact words someone says or writes.
Choose the best end mark:
Where did you put my backpack__
Question mark (?)
The sentence asks a direct question.
Correct the sentence:
On monday we visited the aquarium
On Monday, we visited the aquarium.
Capitalize Monday, add a comma after the introductory phrase, and end with a period.
Add the missing commas:
We packed sandwiches apples carrots and cookies.
We packed sandwiches, apples, carrots, and cookies.
Commas separate items in a series. Accept an answer without the Oxford comma if your team’s convention allows it.
Add the missing apostrophe:
The dogs collar was bright red.
The dog’s collar was bright red.
One dog owns the collar, so add apostrophe + s.
Add quotation marks:
I found my missing shoe, said Elena.
“I found my missing shoe,” said Elena.
Quotation marks surround Elena’s exact words.
Choose the best end mark:
Watch out__
Exclamation point (!)
The sentence shows urgency and strong emotion.
Correct the sentence:
My favorite colors are green purple and blue
My favorite colors are green, purple, and blue.
Use commas between items in a series and add a period.
Add the missing comma:
Yes I finished the assignment.
Yes, I finished the assignment.
A comma separates the introductory word “Yes” from the rest of the sentence.
Choose the correct word:
The players / player’s / players’ uniforms were muddy.
All of the players owned the uniforms.
The players’ uniforms were muddy.
For a plural noun ending in s, place the apostrophe after the s.
Correct the dialogue punctuation:
“Please sit down” Mr. Lee said.
“Please sit down,” Mr. Lee said.
A comma goes inside the closing quotation mark before the dialogue tag.
Add end punctuation:
The museum closes at five
Did we arrive too late
The museum closes at five.
Did we arrive too late?
A statement ends with a period. A direct question ends with a question mark.
Correct the sentence:
Dont touch my brothers science project
Don’t touch my brother’s science project.
“Don’t” needs an apostrophe for the contraction. “Brother’s” shows that one brother owns the project.
Add the missing commas:
Jordan please bring your notebook pencil and folder.
Jordan, please bring your notebook, pencil, and folder.
Use a comma for direct address and commas between items in a series.
Correct the apostrophes:
Its hard to find the book because its cover is blue.
It’s hard to find the book because its cover is blue.
“It’s” means “it is.” The possessive pronoun “its” has no apostrophe.
Correct the punctuation and capitalization:
Nora asked, “where is the library”
Nora asked, “Where is the library?”
Capitalize the first word of the quotation and place the question mark inside the quotation marks.
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A. I wonder where she went?
B. I wonder where she went.
B. I wonder where she went.
This is an indirect question, so it ends with a period.
Correct the sentence:
After practice Coach Diaz asked “who left their water bottle”
After practice, Coach Diaz asked, “Who left their water bottle?”
Add commas after the introductory phrase and before the quotation. Capitalize Who and place the question mark inside the quotation marks.
Correct the punctuation:
Before the movie started my cousins Ava Leo and Mia bought popcorn.
Before the movie started, my cousins Ava, Leo, and Mia bought popcorn.
The answer needs a comma after the introductory clause and commas between the three names.
Correct the punctuation:
The two teachers classrooms were across from the principals office.
The two teachers’ classrooms were across from the principal’s office.
The classrooms belong to two teachers. The office belongs to one principal.
Correct the dialogue punctuation:
“I brought the supplies” said Amir “but I forgot the tape.”
“I brought the supplies,” said Amir, “but I forgot the tape.”
Use commas around the dialogue tag. The second quoted part continues the same sentence, so “but” stays lowercase.
Correct the end punctuation:
Did Maya really shout, “We won the game?”
Did Maya really shout, “We won the game”?
The entire sentence is a question, but the quoted words are a statement. Place the question mark outside the quotation marks.
Correct every error:
On friday Lena whispered i cant believe were finally here
On Friday, Lena whispered, “I can’t believe we’re finally here.”
Capitalize Friday and I. Add commas, quotation marks, apostrophes in the contractions, and a period.