Comma, Ellipsis, or Dash Worksheet (Grade 8)
Free printable Grade 8 punctuation worksheet. Students choose the comma, ellipsis, or dash that matches each pause or break, from trailing speech to a dramatic interruption. Answer key included.
Grade 8 · Grammar worksheet
Name
Date
Grammar
Comma, Ellipsis, or Dash
A comma (,) marks a brief pause. An ellipsis (...) shows a pause that trails off or words left out. A dash (—) marks a sharp break, an interruption, or a dramatic point. Use the effect described in brackets to choose the mark.
- 1.Which mark belongs at blank ? "I thought you said blank " Her voice trailed off into silence. (words fading out, left unfinished)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 2.Which mark belongs at blank ? After the final bell rang blank the corridors filled with noise. (a brief pause after an introductory clause)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 3.Which mark belongs at blank ? When the rain finally stopped blank we walked home. (a brief pause after an opening clause)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 4.Which mark belongs at blank ? "If only I had known blank " she whispered, unable to finish. (a thought left trailing)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 5.Which mark belongs at blank ? Everything he owned blank his books, his maps, his letters blank fit in one box. (a strong break setting off an inserted list)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 6.Which mark belongs at blank ? The faded sign read "Closed until blank " and the rest had worn away. (missing words left out)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 7.Which mark belongs at blank ? "You will never guess who blank " Mia burst out, cut off mid-sentence. (speech broken off abruptly)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 8.Which mark belongs at blank ? Yes blank I finished my homework before dinner. (a small pause after an introductory word)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 9.Which mark belongs at blank ? The door creaked open and there stood blank a penguin. (a sharp break before a surprise)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
- 10.Which mark belongs at blank ? "Well blank maybe you are right," he said slowly. (a hesitating pause)
- a) comma
- b) ellipsis
- c) dash
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