COMMA PRACTICE with answers
Complex Sentences (AAAWWUBBIS), Introductory Words, Items in a Series, Compound Sentences (FANBOYS), Direct Address,
Quotes, Interrupters, Appositives, and Adjectives Modifying Same Noun
Directions: Provide commas as needed in the following sentences. If a sentence does not need a comma, write “C” for correct.
Many sentences need commas due to more than one comma rule. Be prepared to explain which rule applies for each comma
you use.
1. Because she has been working so hard in math, she expects to earn a high grade. Starts with AAAWWBBIS so he needs a
comma
2. However, my sister and cousin have also gone to the hospital on a regular basis. introductory
3. I like to watch television, attend films, and read, but what I enjoy most are concerts. Items in a series and a FANBOYS with
two complete sentences on each side
4. John, you can send the package to me? Direct address
5. I knew the answers because I had studied so hard and listened carefully in class. “C” AAAWWBBIS is in the middle so he
doesn’t need help from a comma
6. Class, look at the large colorful poster on the wall. Direct address
7. John said, “I’ll never understand why students pay to attend classes, and they never show up.” Comma before the quotes
and there is a FANBOYS with two complete sentences on each side
8. No one in my family, except for my grandmother, knows how to make rabbit stew. interrupter
9. Afterwards, he put many sparkly sequins on her poster to ruin it. Introductory word; no comma between “many sparkly”
because you wouldn’t say “many and sparkly sequins”
10. My cousin, a vegetarian, has always been healthy and energetic. interrupter
11. The teachers that I like are the ones who take the time to answer questions. “C”
12. “I am fairly sure, Samuel, that you will find a good job in the field of engineering,” said Randall, the job placement
counselor. Direct address; comma to end your quote instead of a period; appositive at the end of the sentence and the
appositive comes after the name, so it’s not necessary and you need a comma
13. Although Gary has been working hard in his yard, he still needs to plant more trees, shrubs, and flowers before it will look
as nice as his neighbors’ yards. AAAWWUBBIS word that starts the sentence so you need a comma; then items in a series
14. The new roof will be put on next week, and the house will be painted soon, but the driveway, which has a few cracks,
won’t be repaired until next month. First two commas are both FANBOYS with two complete sentences; the next two are
because of an interrupter
15. My friend Ann won a scholarship to Kent State and will major in business. “C” no comma around “Ann” because her name
came after the appositive and is necessary to help the reader understand who you are specifically talking about; no comma
before “and” because the last part is an incomplete sentence
16. The field is full of bright, beautiful daisies. Two adjectives describing the same noun—you could put “bright AND beautiful
daisies” so you do need a comma
17. Beth, my two-year-old, is very curious, so I have to keep a close eye on her. The first two commas are there because
there’s an appositive that is not necessary in order for the reader to understand who they are talking about (when the name
comes first, you need commas); the last comma is there because there’s a FANBOYS with a complete sentence on each side
18. Danielle, grab your colorful raincoat before you leave today. Direct address
19. My mom’s best friend Stacy has the most vibrant fun personality. “C” no comma is needed because Stacy come after the
appositive and is necessary to understand who the writer is talking about
20. Even though we won the game, we still had to practice today. The AAAWWUBBIS word comes first, so you need a comma
after the dependent clause.
21. I want to go eat pizza, and I want to get ice cream afterwards. FANBOYS with a complete sentence on each side of it
22. Be sure to grab your jacket, for it is very cold outside today. FANBOYS with a complete sentence on each side of it
23. I would rather not, Nicole, because we have a game, so we better hurry. First two commas are there because of direct
address; last comma is a FANBOYS with two complete sentences on each side
24. Since we are already, late let’s stop by the gas station and get a snack. AAAWWUBBIS word starts the sentence
25. Next, she ate the huge, salty pretzel very quickly. Introductory word, then two adjectives describing noun