11+ English · Topic explained
Commas
"Let's eat Grandma!" Can one comma really save a life?
The big idea
Commas separate parts of a sentence so the meaning is clear.
Picture it
A comma is a tiny pause that stops ideas crashing into each other.
Key words
- lists
- Commas separate the items; and (or or) comes before the last one.
- after an opener
- A comma follows a fronted adverbial or a subordinate clause at the start.
- parenthesis
- Extra information inside a pair of commas (or brackets or dashes).
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
I bought eggs, milk, bread and jam.
- Commas separate the items in the list.
- and comes before the last item, usually with no comma.
- 211+ standard
Mr Jones, our head teacher, loves jazz.
- "our head teacher" is extra information.
- It needs a comma on each side, like a pair of brackets.
- 311+ standard
Carefully, she lifted the lid.
- A fronted adverbial is followed by a comma.
- 411+ standard
When the film ended, we went home.
- A subordinate clause at the start is followed by a comma.
The common mistake
The mistake
"Mr Jones, our head teacher loves jazz." (one comma)
Instead
"Mr Jones, our head teacher, loves jazz."
Why: Extra information needs a pair of commas, one on each side, like brackets.
Where it comes up in the 11+
SPaG questions ask where the missing comma goes, or which sentence is punctuated correctly.
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains commas step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
Commas worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. Which list is punctuated correctly?
- I packed socks, shoes, and, a hat.
- I packed socks, shoes and a hat.
- I packed, socks shoes and a hat.
Show the answerHide the answer
I packed socks, shoes and a hat.
A comma between the items, and before the last one.
2. Where should the missing comma go? "My cousin, a brilliant cook made the cake."
- after cook
- after made
- after cake
Show the answerHide the answer
after cook
"a brilliant cook" is extra information, so it needs a comma on each side.
3. Which uses a comma correctly?
- Before breakfast, I walked the dog.
- Before, breakfast I walked the dog.
- Before breakfast I, walked the dog.
Show the answerHide the answer
Before breakfast, I walked the dog.
The comma goes after the whole fronted adverbial.