Punctuation Rules
Learn
Punctuation helps readers understand your writing. Learning the rules for commas, periods, apostrophes, and quotation marks will help you write clearly and correctly.
Key Punctuation Rules
- Commas in a Series: Use commas to separate three or more items in a list (apples, oranges, and bananas).
- Commas with Introductory Words: Use a comma after introductory words or phrases (However, the game was canceled).
- Apostrophes for Possession: Add 's to show ownership (the dog's bone, Sarah's book).
- Apostrophes for Contractions: Use apostrophes to show missing letters (don't = do not, it's = it is).
- Quotation Marks: Use quotation marks around someone's exact words ("Hello," she said).
Examples
Example 1: Comma in a Series
Incorrect: I packed a sandwich an apple and juice for lunch.
Correct: I packed a sandwich, an apple, and juice for lunch.
Example 2: Apostrophe for Possession
Question: Is it "the boys ball" or "the boy's ball"?
Answer: "the boy's ball" - The apostrophe shows the ball belongs to the boy.
Practice Quiz
Answer each question, then click to reveal the correct answer.
1. Which sentence uses commas correctly?
A) I like to read, write and draw.
B) I like to read write, and draw.
C) I like to read, write, and draw.
Show Answer
C) I like to read, write, and draw. - Commas separate all items in a series.
2. Choose the correct word: (Its/It's) raining outside.
Show Answer
It's - "It's" is a contraction of "it is." ("Its" shows possession.)
3. Where should the apostrophe go? "The cats toy is under the bed." (one cat)
Show Answer
The cat's toy - For singular possession, add 's after the noun.
4. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) "Where are you going?" asked Mom.
B) "Where are you going" asked Mom?
C) Where are you going? "asked Mom."
Show Answer
A) "Where are you going?" asked Mom. - The question mark goes inside the quotation marks.
5. Add the missing comma: "After the movie we went out for ice cream."
Show Answer
After the movie, we went out for ice cream. - A comma follows the introductory phrase.
6. Choose the correct word: The dog wagged (its/it's) tail happily.
Show Answer
its - "Its" shows possession (the tail belongs to the dog). "It's" would mean "it is."
7. Which shows correct plural possession? (The books belong to multiple students.)
A) the student's books
B) the students' books
C) the students's books
Show Answer
B) the students' books - For plural nouns ending in s, add only an apostrophe.
8. Rewrite with a contraction: "She does not want to go."
Show Answer
She doesn't want to go. - "Doesn't" is the contraction of "does not."
9. Which sentence needs a comma?
A) The big brown dog ran fast.
B) Yes I would like some more.
C) She went to the store.
Show Answer
B) Yes, I would like some more. - Use a comma after introductory words like "yes" and "no."
10. Fix the punctuation: My favorite subjects are math science and reading
Show Answer
My favorite subjects are math, science, and reading. - Add commas between items and a period at the end.
Check Your Understanding
Review your answers above. If you got 8 or more correct, you're ready to move on! If not, review the rules and try again.
Next Steps
- Review any questions you missed
- Practice using apostrophes correctly in your own writing
- Move on to Lesson 5: Review and Mistakes