Commas on the Orienteering Course

Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase or clause.

Comma after the introduction

An introductory element is a word, phrase or clause that comes before the main part of a sentence. Put a comma after it to separate it from the rest of the sentence.
Word: Luckily, the sky was clear.
Phrase: At the edge of the dark woods, Amara stopped to check her map.
Clause: When the whistle blew, the runners started.
When the same words come at the end of the sentence, you do not need a comma: The runners started when the whistle blew.

Orienteering is a sport in which people use a map and a compass to find checkpoints. The Ridgeview Orienteering Club spent a Saturday at Pine Hollow Park. Coach Brandt marked each checkpoint on the course with an orange-and-white flag. Amara, Luis, Mei and Diego set out to find them all.

Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

A. While Diego checked his compass Mei, looked for the trail.B. While Diego checked, his compass Mei looked for the trail.C. While Diego checked his compass, Mei looked for the trail.D. While, Diego checked his compass Mei looked for the trail.

Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

A. Holding the map flat, Luis looked for the first flag.B. Holding the map, flat Luis looked for the first flag.C. Holding the map flat Luis looked, for the first flag.D. Holding, the map flat Luis looked for the first flag.

Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

A. Thankfully Mei, had packed an extra bottle of water.B. Thankfully Mei had packed, an extra bottle of water.C. Thankfully Mei had packed an extra bottle, of water.D. Thankfully, Mei had packed an extra bottle of water.

These sentences have no commas yet. Which sentence needs a comma after an introductory element?

A. Mei jogged beside the creek until she saw a flag.B. After she climbed over the fallen log Mei saw a flag.C. Mei saw a flag after she climbed over the fallen log.D. Mei and Diego saw a flag beside the fallen log.

Find the missing comma

Each sentence is missing the comma after its introductory element. Find where the comma belongs.

Underline the word that should have a comma right after it.

Write the missing punctuation mark in each blank: a comma (,) or a period (.).

At the top of the steep hill Amara stopped to catch her breath She drank some water However she did not rest for long Checking her compass one more time she spotted the next flag below her.

Comma or no comma?

Decide whether each sentence needs a comma after an introductory element. Then write your own sentence.

These sentences have no commas yet. Sort them: does each one need a comma after an introductory element?

10.

This sentence is missing a comma.
After the last runner crossed the finish line the whole club cheered.
Where does the comma belong?

A. after the word runnerB. after the word lineC. after the word clubD. after the word whole

11.

Luis wrote this sentence in his race journal.
Luis, found the last flag behind a tall pine tree.
Why is the comma a mistake?

A. The comma should come right after the word found.B. The comma should come right after the word last.C. The sentence needs a second comma after flag.D. No introductory element comes before the comma.

12.

Write a sentence about something you might do on an orienteering course. Begin it with an introductory phrase or clause, and put a comma in the right place.

13.

Explain why this sentence has a comma.
As the fog rolled in, Amara zipped up her jacket.