Using commas

Upper Primary 6 questions

What using commas means

You use commas to show small pauses and to make sentences easier to read. They help you separate items, join parts of a sentence, and keep extra information clear.

What you will practise

Choose the correct comma in a list of items
Add a comma after an opening phrase
Set off extra information with commas on both sides
Spot sentences where the comma is missing or in the wrong place

Before you start

You should already be able to read simple sentences and know the difference between a phrase and a full sentence. It also helps if you can spot lists and extra details in a sentence.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

I bought apples bananas, and grapes.
I bought apples, bananas, and grapes.
I bought, apples bananas and grapes.
I bought apples bananas and, grapes.

Answer: I bought apples, bananas, and grapes.

Working: Commas separate items in a list.

Common mistakes to avoid

Leaving out commas between items in a list. Add them so each item is clear.
Putting a comma after every short word group. Use one only where the sentence needs a pause.
Forgetting the second comma around extra information. Put commas on both sides of the added detail.
Using a comma where a full stop or joining word is needed. Check the whole sentence first.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 4 to 6 syllabusGroundwork for the BECE

This skill normally appears in Upper Primary English when learners are working on sentence structure and punctuation. It supports school-based assessment and gives a useful base for the BECE later on.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.