Commas, Dashes & Ellipses
Aligned to L.8.2 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Correct punctuation guides the reader. Use commas to separate parts of a sentence, a dash to signal a sudden break or emphasis, and an ellipsis to show an omission or a trailing pause.
Worked example
'I opened the box, hoping for a gift, and found — nothing.' The commas group the phrase, and the dash lands the surprise harder than a comma could.
Practice questions
- Add commas where a sentence needs them for clarity.
- Use a dash to create emphasis in a sentence.
- Show a trailing pause with an ellipsis correctly.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Comas, Rayas y Puntos Suspensivos
La puntuación correcta guía al lector. Usa comas para separar partes de una oración, la raya para señalar un corte o énfasis, y los puntos suspensivos para mostrar una omisión o una pausa que se prolonga.
Ejemplo: 'Abrí la caja, esperando un regalo, y encontré... nada.' Las comas agrupan la frase y los puntos suspensivos hacen que la sorpresa caiga con más fuerza.
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