What is the difference between a run-on and a comma splice?

A run-on jams two sentences together with nothing between them. A comma splice puts a comma where a stronger break is needed. Both are fixed the same way, and both appear in this bank.

When are semicolons taught?

Usually seventh and eighth grade. Those questions only appear if you choose those grades, so a fourth grade sheet will not surprise anyone.

Do these worksheets cover comma rules?

Only in passing. Commas have their own page with a much larger bank — lists, dates, introductory phrases, direct address and nonessential clauses.

Punctuation Worksheets

Punctuation practice starts with choosing between a period and a question mark and ends with deciding whether two ideas are one sentence or two.

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5th Grade Punctuation Practice

Punctuation

Circle the correct answer.

1.
Which one is a complete sentence?
Going out in the storm.When the lights went out.The lights went out.
2.
Which sentence uses quotation marks correctly?
"Let's go," he said."Let's go", he said.Let's go, "he said."
3.
Which one is a run-on sentence?
It was cold, so we stayed inside.Because it was cold, we stayed inside.It was cold we stayed inside.

Rewrite each sentence following the directions in brackets.

4.
we walked to the store it was closed (rewrite as two correct sentences)
5.
that is the loudest thunder i have ever heard (rewrite with correct capitalization, as an exclamation)

Each sentence has at least one mistake. Write the sentence correctly.

6.
"Wait for me" she called.
7.
The three dog's were barking.
8.
Running down the hall with his backpack.
9.
I am almost finished, said Nina.
10.
I finished my homework I went outside.
11.
Dad asked, "are you ready"?
12.
The game was close, we won by one point.

Punctuation: the rules these questions test

Three end marks, three jobs: A statement or a calm command takes a period, a question takes a question mark, and strong feeling takes an exclamation point.
In American English, commas and periods go inside quotation marks: "Let's go," he said. The comma sits inside the closing mark, not after it.
A question mark goes inside only if the quote is the question: Dad asked, "Are you ready?" — the quoted words are the question. Compare: Did she really say "no thanks"?
Two complete sentences cannot be joined by a comma alone: "The game was close, we won by one point" is a comma splice. Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a joining word.
A fragment is missing its subject or its verb: "Running down the hall with his backpack" has no one doing the running. Adding a subject fixes it.
A semicolon joins; a colon introduces: The rain stopped; the game continued. Bring three things: a pencil, a notebook and a snack.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What is the difference between a run-on and a comma splice?: A run-on jams two sentences together with nothing between them. A comma splice puts a comma where a stronger break is needed. Both are fixed the same way, and both appear in this bank.
When are semicolons taught?: Usually seventh and eighth grade. Those questions only appear if you choose those grades, so a fourth grade sheet will not surprise anyone.
Do these worksheets cover comma rules?: Only in passing. Commas have their own page with a much larger bank — lists, dates, introductory phrases, direct address and nonessential clauses.