Comma Rules Chart
Where commas go, and how to write titles.
Need more than one? Tap + for extra copies (up to 10).
How to do it
- Read each comma rule and its example.
- Say each example aloud and listen for the pause.
- Read how to write long and short titles.
Teaching tip
Keep the chart nearby while your student works on the other pages. This sheet is aligned with Common Core L.5.2.
About this chart
Six places to use a comma, each with an example, a note that the comma before and in a list is optional, and how to write the titles of long and short works.
What kids practice
Commas tell a reader where to pause and which words go together. Fifth graders use commas between items in a list, after an opener like "After lunch," or "However," after yes and no, before a tag question like "isn't it?" and around the name of someone being spoken to. They also learn to underline or italicize the titles of long works, like books and movies, and to put the titles of short works, like songs and poems, in quotation marks.
Watch for
- Leaving out the comma after an opener, especially a long one.
- Forgetting the second comma when a name comes in the middle of a sentence.
- Putting a comma before every and, even when it isn't joining items or sentences.
- Putting the title of a book in quotation marks or the title of a song in italics.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full comma rules guide for 5th grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Commas in a ListSentences with lists of words and phrases that need commas. The answer key shows the comma before and or or in gray because it's optional. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10 sentences.
3. Comma After an OpenerSentences that start with a word, phrase or clause like "However," "In the morning," or "When the rain stopped," and need a comma. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
4. Yes, No and Tag QuestionsSentences that start with yes or no or end with a tag question like "isn't it?" Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
5. Talking to SomeoneSentences that speak to someone by name at the start, middle or end. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
6. Writing TitlesMade-up titles of books, movies, magazines, songs, poems, stories and articles to sort and write correctly. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
7. Edit the ParagraphThree short original paragraphs with commas missing for lists, openers, yes and no, tag questions, names and joined sentences. New sheet gives a different paragraph. Includes an answer key.