Grammar Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Commas After Introductory Elements Worksheet
A printable grammar worksheet for grades 4-6 on introductory commas: when a sentence opens with a word, phrase, or clause before the main idea, a comma follows it. Students label eight sentences comma or no comma, then add the missing comma to six sentences. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Grammar
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Commas After Introductory Elements, punctuation
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
When a sentence opens with an introductory element before its main idea, a comma follows that element. The introductory element can be a single word (Finally, Yes, Suddenly), a phrase (After the storm, In the morning), or a clause (When the bell rang, Because it was late). A sentence with nothing in front of the main idea needs no comma. This worksheet gives students a focused, repeatable test for one of the most-used comma rules in real writing.
Section A on page 1 gives eight sentences and asks the student to label each comma or no comma. The sentences come in pairs that say almost the same thing two ways – ‘When the rain stopped the children ran outside’ (needs a comma) versus ‘The children ran outside after the rain’ (no comma) – so students learn that the comma depends on word order, not on the words themselves.
Section B on page 2 is corrective: each of six sentences is missing its introductory comma, and the student rewrites the sentence with the comma in the right place. The items cover all three kinds of introductory element – opening word (Yes, Suddenly), phrase (In the morning), and clause (After the movie ended, Because she practiced every day) – so students place the comma after each type.
Page 3 is a complete answer key. Section A lists comma or no comma for each sentence; Section B gives the correctly punctuated sentence for each item. The reference box at the top of page 1 states the rule, names the three kinds of introductory element, and shows a worked after-the-long-hike example that is not reused in any assessed item.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and name the three kinds of introductory element: word, phrase, clause. Show that the comma comes right after the opener.
Work Section A item 1 together: ‘When the rain stopped the children ran outside’ opens with a clause, so it needs a comma after stopped.
Contrast item 1 with item 2 (‘The children ran outside after the rain’) – same idea, opener moved to the end, so no comma. Stress that order decides the comma.
Demonstrate Section B item 9 together: ‘After the movie ended we walked home in the dark’ -> add the comma after ended.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or aide spot-check; the comma must sit right after the introductory element.
Pair with the Commas in a Series Worksheet or the Complex Sentences Worksheet to build a punctuation mini-unit.
Printable Resource
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Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Commas After Introductory Elements Worksheet
A printable grammar worksheet for grades 4-6 on introductory commas: when a sentence opens with a word, phrase, or clause before the main idea, a comma follows it. Students label eight sentences comma or no comma, then add the missing comma to six sentences. A complete answer key is included.
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