How to see it
Commas have two big jobs. They separate the items in a list. The word and joins the last two, usually with no comma before it. And they follow an opening part that sets the scene, like after lunch, or when the bell rang. But a comma never sits between the subject and its verb.
A worked example
Before the trip is the opener: it tells us when. So a comma after trip. Then the list: one comma after sandwiches, one after crisps, and the word and joins the last two. Now check: who packed? We. We and packed sit side by side, with nothing between them.
The common mistake: a comma between the subject and its verb
The trap is a comma between the subject and its verb. The children in the back row, cheered. A long subject feels as if it needs a breath. But who cheered? The children in the back row. Nothing goes between who and what they did.
Try one
Find the mistake, or choose N for no mistake.
- AEvery player
- Bin the team,
- Cwas given
- Da medal at the end.
- Nno mistake
Show the answerHide the answer
Right: B, in the team,
Every player in the team is the subject, and was given is the verb. The comma splits them, so it goes.