Grammar: A1 - Writing Mechanics - Basics - Lesson 4: Basic Punctuation: Comma (in simple lists)

✨ Lesson 4: Basic Punctuation: The Comma (,)

We have learned how to use a full stop (.) and a question mark (?). Today, we will learn about the comma¹ ( , ).

A comma is a punctuation mark that signals a short pause². It has many jobs, but today we will learn its most common job: to separate³ items⁴ in a list⁵.

The Main Rule: Separating Items in a List

When you list three or more things, you use a comma (,) to separate them. The word 'and' is used before the last item.

List of Nouns (things):

• At the market in Kampot, you can buy crabs, shrimp, and squid.
• My bag contains a book, a pen, and a phone.

List of Adjectives (describing words):

• The weather today is hot, sunny, and windy.
• He is a kind, friendly, and funny man.

List of Verbs (actions):

• In the morning, I wake up, get dressed, and eat breakfast.

The "Oxford Comma"
Sometimes, you will see a comma before the word 'and' in a list (like in our examples). This is called the Oxford Comma. Some people use it and some people don't. Both ways are generally accepted, but using it can make your sentence clearer.

• With comma: I like red, white, and blue. (Recommended)
• Without comma: I like red, white and blue. (Also common)

🧠 Practice Quiz: Add the Commas

Add commas to these sentences where they are needed.

1. I can speak Khmer English and a little French.
   → I can speak Khmer, English, and a little French.
2. The restaurant was cheap clean and delicious.
   → The restaurant was cheap, clean, and delicious.
3. We need to buy rice vegetables and fish.
   → We need to buy rice, vegetables, and fish.

📝 Homework: Write Your Own Lists

Write two sentences that each contain a list of at least three items.

Example: My three favorite fruits are mangoes, durian, and pineapple.

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1: ___________________________________

2: ___________________________________

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Comma: (Noun) - ក្បៀស (kbiĕh) - The punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list. ↩
2. Pause: (Noun) - ផ្អាក (ph'ak) - A short stop or break in speaking or an activity. ↩
3. Separate: (Verb) - បំបែក (bâmbêk) - To divide or move things apart. ↩
4. Item: (Noun) - របស់ (rôbŏh) - A single thing in a list or group. ↩
5. List: (Noun) - បញ្ជី (bânhchi) - A series of names, items, or words written one after another. ↩