Items in a Series
Rule: Use a comma after each item in a series except the last. If all items are joined by and or or, do not use commas.
Examples: 1. Mary, Tom, Jill, and Mike are all serving on
the refreshments committee.
2. I looked for my dog in the back yard, in the
front yard, and across the street.
3. We had corn dogs, apple pie, French fries,
and milk for lunch.
4. Either Bill or Jack or Sam can drive tonight,
but I can’t.
Directions: Put in commas where needed by writing the word that precedes the comma. Mark “C” for correct if the sentence does not need commas. (Two are correct.) Use the key afterwards.
Part 1 - Exercise A
1. We had
lessons in swimming canoeing archery and handicrafts.
2. Mary and
Frances and Ted dashed out of the car down the beach and into the water.
3. Our school
has organized clubs for music art radio and chess.
4. One
representative on the Student Council should be the senior class president or
the secretary or the treasurer.
5. The high
school orchestra includes violins cellos bass viols clarinets saxophones
trumpets and drums.
6. I’ve planted
seedlings fertilized them carefully and watered them each day.
7. The children
played happily on the swings on the slides and in the pool.
8. Science and
Latin and algebra are all included in next year’s course of study.
9. Do you know
anything about how to pitch a tent how to build a campfire or how to cook
out-of-doors?
10. I enjoy
swimming boating and surfing more than skiing sledding or skating.
Part 2 - After you do
Exercise A, use the key to correct your work.
Then write seven sentences
of your own that contain Items in a Series. To get an “A,” your sentences should be at
least 14 words long.
Part 3 – When you finish, check for make-up work that is
missing [isd317.org Parent Portal].
