Here’s the corrected version of each sentence with explanations for the comma usage:
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1. As a boy scout, Mark is always prepared.
✔ *Explanation:* When starting a sentence with a dependent clause (like “As a boy scout”), you need a comma to separate it from the main clause (“Mark is always prepared”).
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2. We got married on December 10th, 1996.
✔ *Explanation:* A comma is needed after the day when writing a full date (month + day + year). So: “December 10th, 1996”.
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3. I called his name, and he came over to talk.
✔ *Explanation:* When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like “and”, use a comma before the conjunction.
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4. Yikes, this trash can really stinks.
✔ *Explanation:* “Yikes” is an interjection — an exclamation. It should be followed by a comma to set it apart from the rest of the sentence.
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5. “I wonder if anyone can her me,” Jill said.
⚠️ *Note:* There’s also a spelling error — “her” should be “hear”.
✔ Corrected: “I wonder if anyone can hear me,” Jill said.
✔ *Explanation:* When dialogue ends with a comma (before the attribution like “Jill said”), you must use a comma inside the quotation marks.
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6. If possible, I will take next week off from work.
✔ *Explanation:* Introductory phrases like “If possible” are followed by a comma to separate them from the main clause.
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7. I studied, but I still don’t think I did very well.
✔ *Explanation:* Again, two independent clauses joined by “but” require a comma before the conjunction.
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8. I’ll have a burger, fries, and a root beer.
✔ *Explanation:* This is the Oxford comma — used before the final “and” in a list of three or more items. While sometimes optional, it’s often preferred for clarity, especially in educational contexts.
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9. If everyone is ready, let’s go!
✔ *Explanation:* The introductory clause “If everyone is ready” requires a comma before the main clause “let’s go!”
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✔ Final Answer (Corrected Sentences):
1. As a boy scout, Mark is always prepared.
2. We got married on December 10th, 1996.
3. I called his name, and he came over to talk.
4. Yikes, this trash can really stinks.
5. “I wonder if anyone can hear me,” Jill said.
6. If possible, I will take next week off from work.
7. I studied, but I still don’t think I did very well.
8. I’ll have a burger, fries, and a root beer.
9. If everyone is ready, let’s go!
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of comma usage worksheet.
