
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.
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

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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