Commas in Lists
A list comma is used to separate three or more items, actions or descriptions written one after another in a sentence, with the word 'and' or 'or' usually placed before the final item instead of a comma. Year 2 pupils learn this rule to make lists of nouns, verbs or adjectives clear and easy to read, for example 'I have a cat, a dog and a rabbit.'
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Look for three or more items, actions or ideas listed together in one sentence.
- Put a comma after each item except the last one.
- Do not put a comma before the final item if it is joined by 'and' or 'or'.
- Check that every item in the list is the same type of word, such as all nouns or all adjectives.
- Read the sentence aloud to check the commas match the natural pauses in the list.
Worked example
Add commas to this sentence: 'For the trip I packed a hat a coat gloves and a scarf.'
- Find the list: hat, coat, gloves and scarf - four items.
- Put a comma after 'hat'.
- Put a comma after 'coat'.
- Put a comma after 'gloves', keeping 'and' before the last item with no comma before it.
- Final answer: 'For the trip I packed a hat, a coat, gloves and a scarf.'
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.
Punctuate this sentence correctly by adding commas: 'My favourite fruits are strawberries grapes and mangoes.'
Write a sentence of your own containing a list of at least four items, using commas correctly to separate them.
Read the sentence: 'The chef added salt, pepper, garlic, and onion to the pan.' A pupil says this sentence has a mistake. Explain what might be considered wrong, correct the sentence to follow the simple list-comma rule taught in Year 2, and explain in your own words why commas make lists easier to read.
Free printable worksheet
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