Long Beach City College WRSC
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Comma Exercises
Using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main
clause.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. Having been told of the test John wondered when he would study.
2. Wading into the cool lake we found relief from the heat.
3. In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner stopped.
4. After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.
5. Seeing the oncoming car weaving I slowed down.
6. By the old bridge at the north of town we are meeting for a picnic.
7. At the last meeting of the cheerleaders Janie was elected captain.
8. Noticing the dark clouds we thought it would rain.
9. In the middle of our math class Tim became ill.
10. Being smaller than the other boys Jim did not make the team.
Using commas to separate an introductory clause from the main clause.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. When she noticed the time Marie realized she would be late.
2. As I entered the room I realized that I was late again.
3. While I worked at the restaurant I learned about food.
4. If she wishes Gloria can come with us.
5. Before you leave give us your address and telephone number.
6. Because the game was so one-sided we left early.
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7. After he painted the office blue he dyed his hair green.
8. Since I left you my whole life has changed.
9. Although she loved her job it did not play very much.
10.Whenever I go to the beach I become sunburned.
Using commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a
series.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. He drove through Illinois Indiana and Kentucky.
2. He ran up the stairs through the door and down the hall.
3. He ends each day telling himself that the day was miserable that he should
have stayed in bed that tomorrow will be better.
4. I ate breakfast read the paper and went to work.
5. I have seen his picture in magazines on television and in movies.
6. We went swimming boating and fishing.
7. Use care courtesy and common sense in your driving.
8. The boys stopped looked and then darted for cover.
9. He read Hamlet Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
10.Running in place doing sit-ups and lifting weights are healthy activities.
Using commas to separate two independent clauses joined with a
coordinating conjunction.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. Your handwriting is sloppy but your punctuation is perfect.
2. The story was very interesting and she read it on one evening.
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3. Alice wanted to stay home that evening yet she did not feel that she could
refuse the invitation.
4. You can spend the money now or you can put it in the bank.
5. The day was overcast yet we went to the beach.
6. She threw the switch but the lights did not work.
7. Jean does not each much lately and she is losing weight.
8. The rain continued for an hour so the game was called off.
9. He would not let them fight nor would he allow them to give up.
10.They would have to agree or they would not get anything.
Using commas to separate nouns in direct address, dialogue guides,
exclamations, adverbs that modify the while sentence, and words that
respond.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. Jim are you sure that the building is safe.
2. Mrs. Winston your class has helped me.
3. Steve said “What do you want me to do?”
4. “Anything that you can do will be helpful” John replied.
5. Oh you will think of something to say.
6. I worried John that you had forgotten to feed the dog.
7. Unfortunately I have to stay up all night.
8. No you could go to bed early.
9. Yes he assigned another essay.
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10. Mom please buy me some new shoes.
Using commas to separate coordinate adjectives
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. The instructor gave an unfair difficult examination.
2. The instructor gave a difficult final examination.
3. It was a happy productive prosperous season.
4. The foolish rude remark embarrassed him.
5. A heavy soiled ball sailed over the fence.
6. A tall dark and handsome man walked into the room.
7. Although it was a hot sticky miserable day, Mrs. Marston looked cool.
8. His long clean hair hung down to his worn faded jacket.
9. The short round brown bottle contains sulfuric acid.
10. Dangerous smelly fumes leaked from the bottle.
Using commas to enclose a single word that interrupts the flow of the
sentence.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. It is however very difficult to hit a silverfish from then feet away.
2. He realized nevertheless that Martha would not let him keep a dog.
3. The umpire unfortunately called off the game.
4. Martha indeed hated homework.
5. The story nevertheless is interesting.
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Using commas to enclose phrases that interrupt the flow of the sentence.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. That song in my opinion is unimaginative.
2. Mike would be much improved on the contrary if he stayed in bed.
3. Mr. Barnes my dance instructor was a professional entertainer.
4. A Mazda the car with the rotary engine is expensive.
5. One of the car’s safety features for example is the braking system.
Using commas to enclose clauses that interrupt the flow of the sentence.
Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. I was very embarrassed when my husband who was only slightly drunk
crashed down the stairs.
2. Gene Fowler who happens to be a poet is my best friend.
3. My car which I received as a gift sits idle in the driveway.
4. My friend who was hurt in the accident is in the hospital.
5. Dr. Rodriguez who was present as the scene called for an ambulance.