Name: __________________________________________________________
The Serial Comma – ANSWER KEY
Directions: Analyze how the serial comma provides clarity to the sentence.
1. “I would like to dedicate this book to my parents, Ayn Rand and God.”
a. Analysis: Currently, this sentence makes it seem like Ayn Rand and God are the author’s
parents. A serial comma would clearly indicate the book is being dedicated to the author’s
parents, Ayn Rand, and God (three separate entities).
2. Julia was proud of her new smoothie recipes: blueberry, peanut butter and chocolate chip and
coconut.
a. Analysis: This sentence does not clearly show how many smoothie recipes Julia has, two or
three. If she has three recipes, it is not clear which ingredients belong to which recipe. A serial
comma would clear up this confusion; one alternate may include blueberry, peanut butter and
chocolate chip, and coconut.
3. I like cooking my pets and my family.
a. Analysis: This sentence indicates the subject cooks pets and family members where the intent is
that three separate things are pleasing. A serial comma would properly express the subject’s
intent; I like cooking, my pets, and my family.
4. Traffic signs indicate when drivers should slow down, notice something, take a detour and stop.
a. Analysis: This sentence could indicate that drivers must stop when taking a detour, instead of a
stop being a separate, possible indication of a traffic sign. To eliminate this ambiguity, a serial
comma is needed; drivers should slow down, notice something, take a detour, and stop.
5. Well-known for leading an excessive lifestyle, Charlie Sheen owed money to his ex-wives, Billy Bob
Thornton and Hugh Grant.
a. Analysis: This sentence is similar to the first sentence, making it seem like Billy Bob Thornton
and Hugh Grant are Charlie Sheen’s ex-wives. A serial comma would clarify this possible
misconception; Charlie Sheen owed money to his ex-wives, Billy Bob Thornton, and Hugh Grant.
Directions: Respond to the prompt below in your notebook. Your response should be at least one paragraph
and include sentences that use the serial comma.
Writing Prompt: Describe a situation that required you to work hard in order to achieve success.
When responding, consider the following questions: What factors contributed to the difficulty of the
situation? What behaviors did you exhibit to demonstrate hard work? What steps did you take to achieve
success?
Copyright © 2014 by Write Score LLC