Commas in a Series
You need commas in a series of 3 or more things.
True or False
TRUE
Where would you put the comma in this sentence?
The arctic bitter air froze my nose.
The arctic, bitter air froze my nose.
I needed to study for my math test so I went to the library.
I needed to study for my math test, so I went to the library.
The last day of school is June 10 2026.
The last day of school is June 10, 2026.
What rule is the following sentence?
My favorite fruits are apples, oranges, and grapes.
Commas in a series
When you have series of 3 things, how many commas would you need to separate them?
2 commas
I had a shiny silky ribbon around my favorite stuffed animal.
I had a shiny, silky ribbon around my favorite stuffed animal.
I wanted to go to the park but it started to rain.
I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
My parents were married on June 17 1978.
My parents were married on June 17, 1978.
What rule is the following sentence?
The blue, green river runs behind the barn.
Adjectives of equal rank
True or False? This sentence has correct comma placement.
I like to shop at Target, Meijer and Kohls.
False
It was a warm sticky August day.
It was a warm, sticky August day.
She finished her homework so she can watch a movie.
She finished her homework, so she can watch a movie.
On March 3 2016 my youngest child was born.
On March 3, 2016, my youngest child was born.
What rule is the following sentence?
I wanted to go to the movies, so I had to do my chores first.
Separating clauses
Where would you add commas to this sentence?
I like to watch football lacrosse and baseball.
I like to watch football, lacrosse, and baseball.
The dark rainy day made me feel sad.
The dark, rainy day made me feel sad.
I meant to buy tickets to the concert but ran out of time.
I meant to buy tickets to the concert, but ran out of time.
My vacation in July 2010 was amazing!
NO COMMA NEEDED
My vacation in July 2010 was amazing!
What rule is the following sentence?
On November 5, 2025, the teachers had a professional development.
Commas in dates
Explain why this sentence is incorrectly punctuated.
I had eggs, toast and orange juice.
Something similar to...
You need the comma before the conjunction, otherwise it sounds like you are speaking to the orange juice and toast.
There were three old ladies playing bingo.
TRICK QUESTION...
They are not adjectives of equal rank, so there is no comma in this sentence.
Cleo spotted the man who entered the diner and waved.
Cleo spotted the man who entered the diner, and waved.
I will never forget July 2 2010 and October 2004.
I will never forget July 2, 2010, and October 2004.
"I'm going to the movies later," Mary said.
TRICK QUESTION
Commas in dialogue (we didn't discuss that yet)