Grade 5 · Reading & language
Separate an introductory element with a comma
Use a comma after a taught introductory phrase or dependent clause.
6 authored questions + worked example
Worked example
Original sentence: When the rain stopped we went outside.
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
Answer & why
Answer: When the rain stopped, we went outside.
When the rain stopped is the introductory dependent clause; the comma follows stopped.
All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
- Although the hill, was steep we reached the top.
- Although the hill was steep we, reached the top.
- Although, the hill was steep we reached the top.
- Although the hill was steep, we reached the top.
A hint
First identify the introductory words, then put the comma before the main clause begins.
Answer & why
Answer: Although the hill was steep, we reached the top.
The although clause is an introduction; the comma follows steep.
Question 2
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
- If, the soil feels dry water the plant.
- If the soil feels dry water, the plant.
- If the soil feels dry, water the plant.
- If the soil, feels dry water the plant.
A hint
First identify the introductory words, then put the comma before the main clause begins.
Answer & why
Answer: If the soil feels dry, water the plant.
The if clause ends with dry; the command begins with water.
Question 3
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
- While, the bread cooled we washed the bowls.
- While the bread cooled we, washed the bowls.
- While the bread, cooled we washed the bowls.
- While the bread cooled, we washed the bowls.
A hint
First identify the introductory words, then put the comma before the main clause begins.
Answer & why
Answer: While the bread cooled, we washed the bowls.
The introductory while clause ends at cooled.
Question 4
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
- Because the gate was locked, we used the side entrance.
- Because the gate was locked we, used the side entrance.
- Because, the gate was locked we used the side entrance.
- Because the gate, was locked we used the side entrance.
A hint
First identify the introductory words, then put the comma before the main clause begins.
Answer & why
Answer: Because the gate was locked, we used the side entrance.
The introductory reason ends at locked, so the comma belongs there.
Question 5
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
- When the rain stopped, we went outside.
- When the rain stopped we, went outside.
- When the rain, stopped we went outside.
- When, the rain stopped we went outside.
A hint
First identify the introductory words, then put the comma before the main clause begins.
Answer & why
Answer: When the rain stopped, we went outside.
When the rain stopped is the introductory dependent clause; the comma follows stopped.
Question 6
Which sentence correctly marks its introductory dependent clause?
- Before the guests, arrived Jo set the table.
- Before the guests arrived, Jo set the table.
- Before, the guests arrived Jo set the table.
- Before the guests arrived Jo, set the table.
A hint
First identify the introductory words, then put the comma before the main clause begins.
Answer & why
Answer: Before the guests arrived, Jo set the table.
The introductory clause ends at arrived, before the main clause Jo set the table.
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