Commas in lists
Use commas to separate items in a list within a sentence (e.g., 'I bought apples, bananas, and oranges')
Suggested ages 6–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning important grammar skills — understanding how to build more complex sentences, use punctuation correctly, and choose the right words to make their writing clearer and more interesting.
Evidence of understanding
- Write a sentence containing a list of 3+ items separated by commas: 'I bought apples, bananas, and oranges'
- Identify where commas should go in an unpunctuated list sentence
- Explain that commas separate items in a list so the reader knows each item
Assessment prompt
If Commas in lists writes a sentence listing three or more things — like the items they'd pack for a picnic — do they put commas between each item in the list?
Standards alignment
L.1.2c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
L.3.2b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 3
L.5.2a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5
Commas in lists
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Use punctuation correctly
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1