Practice with Commas with answers
Interrupters, Direct Address, Items in a Series, Quotes, and Adjectives Modifying Same Noun
Directions: Put commas where they belong. If a sentence does not need a comma, write “C” for correct. Some sentences
will need more than one comma. Many sentences need commas due to more than one comma rule.
1. We are having peas, carrots, roast beef, and cake for dinner. Items in a series
2. Mr. Morton, my English teacher, says we have to learn how to use commas. The appositive comes after the name so
you do need commas because “my English teacher” is not necessary for the reader to understand who they’re talking
about
3. He says, “Remember, Bob, use commas before and after you address someone directly.” First comma is because you
need one before a quote; next two commas are a direct address
4. Kelly asked, “Did you do the homework, Angie?” first comma is because you need one before a quote; last one is
because of direct address
5. There are many beautiful flowers in this field. “C” you wouldn’t say “many AND beautiful flowers” so you don’t put a
comma there
6. The teachers at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School work hard to teach the students. “C”
7. Alex painted the fence white, blue, and green. Items in a series
8. My silly-faced, messy sister always makes us laugh. You can put “silly-faced AND messy sister” so you should put a
comma between the two adjectives describing the noun
9. We waited at the bus stop on Central Park Avenue after school. “C”
10. My mom, who is a nurse cares, for the sick, injured, and disabled. The first two are because the appositive comes
after the name which makes it unnecessary in the sentence; the last two are items in a series
11. One famous basketball player Michael Jordan won five MVP awards. “C” the name comes after the appositive, so the
reader needs it in the sentence in order to understand which basketball player
12. “Don’t go there,” said Felicia. Commas go after the quote if there is still more in the sentence
13. Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish writer of novels, poems, and essays. Items in a series
14. I’m not sure if the big, brass instrument is a trumpet or a French horn. You can stay “big AND brass instrument” so
you can use a comma; no comma before “or” because “a French horn” is not a complete sentence
15. Now, Mr. Bond, we will saw you in half. Direct address
16. Sara said, “Please quit talking to me Rachel.” Commas are needed before the quote
17. Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest, is the home of the skyscraper blues and deep-dish pizza. interrupter
18. There are several big bows on her present. “C” you wouldn’t say “several AND big bows” so you don’t put a comma
there
19. No, Jackie, I don’t want to go eat pizza. Direct address
20. “But they keep picking on me, Rudy,” Alice replied. The first comma is a direct address, the second is because you
need a comma after a quote if the sentence continues.
21. Emily, my next-door neighbor, has two daughters, a son, and a puppy. The first two are because the appositive
comes after the name; the last two are items in a series
22. That Tuesday, which also happens to be my birthday, is the only day we can take the test. Interrupter
23. Fred, who often cheats on his homework, is really only harming himself. The appositive comes after the name so you
do need commas
24. Brett Favre, the quarter back for the team, is having a bad week. The appositive comes after the name so you do
need commas
25. Please, Chris, buy me one of those sweet, juicy cinnamon buns. First two commas are direct address; last comma is
two adjectives describing noun—you would say “sweet AND juicy cinnamon buns” so you need a comma