Writing: Basic Mechanics and Formation (A2) - Lesson 2: Using Commas in Simple Lists

A2 Lesson 2: Using Commas in Simple Lists

You know how to end sentences with a full stop (.) or a question mark (?). Today, we will learn how to use a punctuation mark *inside* a sentence: the comma¹ (,).

Commas have many jobs, but we will start with their most common job: to separate² items in a list³.

The Rule for Commas in Lists

When you list three or more things, you use a comma to separate them. This makes your sentence clear and easy to read. Without commas, the list can be very confusing.

Bad Example (Confusing)

I went to the market and bought fish vegetables and rice.

Good Example (Clear)

I went to the market and bought fish, vegetables, and rice.

Listing Nouns (Things) and Verbs (Actions)

You can use commas to list anything, including things you like or actions you do.

Listing Nouns (Things):

My favorite cities in Cambodia are Kampot, Battambang, and Siem Reap.

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Listing Verbs (Actions):

Today I need to work, clean my house, and cook dinner.

A Note on the Final Comma (The Oxford Comma)

The comma that comes before "and" is called the Oxford Comma. While some writers leave it out, it is a very good habit to always use it. It prevents confusion and makes your writing look more professional.

Punctuation Checklist

When you write, check for these things:

• Does my sentence start with a capital letter?
• Does it end with a `.` or `?`
• If I have a list of 3 or more items, did I use commas to separate them?

🧠 Practice Quiz: Add the Commas

Read the sentences below and decide where the commas should go.

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1. For breakfast I had coffee bread and an egg.

Answer: For breakfast I had coffee, bread, and an egg.

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2. My friends are Srey Dara and Vuthy.

Answer: My friends are Srey, Dara, and Vuthy.

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3. Please buy milk sugar and bananas from the shop.

Answer: Please buy milk, sugar, and bananas from the shop.

📝 Homework: Write Your Own Lists

Get your notebook and pen to practice writing with commas.

Part 1: Rewrite the Sentence

Rewrite this sentence and add commas in the correct places:

I need to wash my clothes study my English lessons and call my mother.

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Part 2: Write Your Own Sentences

Write two sentences of your own that use lists.

1. Write one sentence listing three foods that you like to eat.
2. Write one sentence listing three places you would like to visit.

Example Answer:

1. I like to eat rice, grilled fish, and green mangoes.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Comma: (Noun) - ក្បៀស - The punctuation mark (,) used to separate parts of a sentence, such as items in a list. ↩
2. Separate: (Verb) - បំបែក - To divide or keep things apart. ↩
3. List: (Noun) - បញ្ជី - A series of names, words, or other items written one after another. ↩
4. Item: (Noun) - របស់ - A single thing in a list or group. ↩
5. Punctuation: (Noun) - វណ្ណយុត្តិ - The marks (like commas and full stops) used in writing to make the meaning clear.