How Are Commas Used In A List? - BBC Bitesize

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Using commas in a list

When writing a list, you should put a comma between each item, except for the last item where you use ‘and’.

For example:

I need to go to the supermarket to buy eggs, milk, bread, sugar and orange juice.

Watch: Commas in a list

Discover how Brain learns to use commas in a list with this short clip.

Video Transcript

Narrator: You seem to be free-falling through the sky Brain!

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: This seems like the perfect time for me to tell you about using commas in lists.

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: To stop yourself hitting the ground and turning into a brain slushy you will need some parachuting equipment Brain.

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: You can list the parachuting equipment you’ll need using commas to separate the items.

Narrator: Isn’t that fun Brain?

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: You need a jump suit,

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: goggles, a helmet,

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: a camera,

Brain: Brain?

Narrator: and what am I missing?

Oh of course, a parachute

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: A comma divides up every item on the list, apart from the final item, which is separated with the word "and".

Brain…are you alright Brain?

Brain: Brain!

Narrator: Good lad Brain!

Activity 1

Start activity

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Activity 2

These list sentences about Antarctica have not been punctuated properly. Write out each sentence adding in the missing commas and check where check correct commas in a list should be.

In Antarctica there is lots of snow ice and water.
The snow is white cold and beautiful.
I watched the penguins as they wobbled walked squawked and cuddled together.

Check your answers using this answer sheet.

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How Are Commas Used In A List? - BBC Bitesize

Using commas in a list