Commas in lists · Grade 5
In Grade 5 you learn: list items of more than one word.
When you write a list of three or more things in a sentence, put commas between the items. Before the last item, write and (or or) instead of a comma: I bought apples, pears and plums.
Key facts
- An item can be more than one word: a pen, a ruler and a book.
Worked examples
Example 1
Add commas to the list of longer items: I packed a warm coat a pair of boots and a big umbrella.
Answer: I packed a warm coat, a pair of boots and a big umbrella.
Example 2
Why does this list need an extra comma? This book is for my parents, Nelson Mandela and Malala.
Answer: without a comma before and it sounds as if your parents are the two famous people
Example 3
Write a sentence with a list of three actions.
Answer: She opened the box, took out the cake and cut a slice.