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Montessori Language

Use of Commas in Series, Dates, Addresses, Quotations, and Dialogue

The basic rules for using commas in series, dates, addresses, quotations, and dialogue, with worksheets to help reinforce learning.

Commas in a Series

Use commas to separate items in a series.

When the last two elements of the series are joined by a conjunction, a comma should appear before the conjunction. This is known as the Oxford commma.

Example: 

  • Peter, James, and John

Commas in Dates

When the date is written in the month-day-year style, put a comma between the day and year.

A comma is not needed when:

  • the date is written in the day-month-year style
  • only the month and year are given

Examples:

  • March 16, 1521
  • 16 March 1521
  • March 1521

Commas in Addresses

Use commas to set off individual elements in addresses.

Example:

  • 12 Carrer d’Arístides Maillol, Barcelona, Spain

Commas in Quotations and Dialogue

Use a comma before a quotation (unless it is introduced by that, whether, or a similar conjunction).

Place commas (as well as periods) before closing quotation marks.

Examples:

  • L.R. Knost wrote, “When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not to join their chaos.”
  • “Fine,” he said with a weary shrug. “Make me your villain.”

Comma Worksheets

Use the worksheets to below to reinforce what you’ve learned.

You can download a printable version of the worksheets below here: Use of Commas in Addresses, Quotations, and Dialogues Worksheet PDF 

Note on the Worksheets

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Commas in Addresses: Worksheet 1

Commas in Addresses: Worksheet 2

Commas in Quotations and Dialogue: Worksheet 1

Commas in Quotations and Dialogue: Worksheet 2

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