Grammar and Punctuation
Grammar and punctuation is the KS2 skill of using correct sentence structures and punctuation marks, such as apostrophes, commas, colons and semicolons, to make writing clear and accurate. It covers word classes, clause types and sentence forms, and is tested in the Year 6 SATs grammar, punctuation and spelling paper through short-answer and multiple-choice questions.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Learn the eight word classes (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction, determiner) so you can identify each one in a sentence.
- Learn to tell main clauses from subordinate clauses, and to classify sentences as simple, compound or complex.
- Practise the punctuation rules for apostrophes (contractions and possession), list commas, parenthesis (commas, brackets or dashes), colons and semicolons.
- Read the sentence aloud before you punctuate it, listening for pauses, lists or added explanations.
- Check that any parenthesis (extra information) can be removed and the sentence still makes complete sense.
- Proofread your finished answer against the original sentence so you have only added or corrected punctuation, not changed the meaning.
Worked example
Rewrite the sentence below, adding a colon in the correct place: 'Ali packed three things for the trip a torch a map and a compass.'
- Read the sentence and find where a list follows an introductory statement.
- The introductory part is 'Ali packed three things for the trip' and the list is 'a torch, a map and a compass'.
- Insert a colon immediately after 'trip' and before the list begins.
- Add commas to separate the items in the list: torch, map, compass.
- Final answer: Ali packed three things for the trip: a torch, a map and a compass.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Rewrite the sentence below, adding speech marks, a comma and a capital letter where they are needed. the captain shouted hold on tight
Rewrite the sentence below, adding an apostrophe in the correct place to show that the kites belong to more than one boy. The boys kites were tangled in the tree.
In the sentence 'Without warning, the storm arrived', the writer begins with a fronted adverbial. Explain the effect of this choice on the reader, and identify one punctuation rule that applies to fronted adverbials.
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the grammar and punctuation worksheet pack - 10 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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