Punctuation – English Grammar Exercises for A2
You are writing a sticky note to teach a new colleague how to use the office coffee machine. Choose the correct option (A, B, or C) to complete the instructions. Pay attention to the correct punctuation after sequence words.
1 ______ fill the water tank at the back of the machine.
(A) First
(B) First,
(C) First.
2 ______ place your favourite coffee mug under the spout.
(A) Next,
(B) Next.
(C) Next
3 ______ press the green button to start brewing.
(A) Finally
(B) Finally.
(C) Finally,
4 ______ add two scoops of coffee powder to the top filter.
(A) Second.
(B) Second,
(C) Second
5 ______ wait for the red light to turn green.
(A) Lastly,
(B) Lastly
(C) Lastly.
6 ______ make sure the machine is plugged into the wall.
(A) First of all
(B) First of all;
(C) First of all,
7 ______ choose the size of your coffee on the screen.
(A) After that,
(B) After that
(C) After that.
8 ______ you need to empty the drip tray so it doesn’t overflow.
(A) Before you leave.
(B) Before you leave,
(C) Before you leave
9 ______ check if there is enough milk in the fridge for your latte.
(A) Then.
(B) Then,
(C) Then
10 ______ you can add some sugar or syrup if you like.
(A) At the end,
(B) At the end.
(C) At the end
11 ______ close the lid tightly so the steam doesn’t escape.
(A) Second of all
(B) Second of all.
(C) Second of all,
12 ______ wait until the machine stops making a pumping noise.
(A) After turning it on
(B) After turning it on,
(C) After turning it on.
13 ______ take your fresh cup of coffee and enjoy!
(A) To finish.
(B) To finish
(C) To finish,
14 ______ throw the used coffee capsule into the recycling bin.
(A) Once you are done,
(B) Once you are done.
(C) Once you are done
15 The machine might make a loud noise. ______ do not turn it off.
(A) If this happens
(B) If this happens.
(C) If this happens,
16 It takes a minute to warm up. ______ you can grab a spoon and napkin.
(A) Meanwhile.
(B) Meanwhile,
(C) Meanwhile
17 You have to push the lever down hard. ______ the water won’t flow through.
(A) Otherwise
(B) Otherwise,
(C) Otherwise.
18 The machine needs cleaning every Friday. ______ it will stop working properly.
(A) If not,
(B) If not
(C) If not.
19 Sometimes the red light blinks. ______ you just need to restart the machine.
(A) In this case.
(B) In this case,
(C) In this case
20 We are all done with the setup. ______ enjoy your break!
(A) To sum up,
(B) To sum up
(C) To sum up.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B)
Explanation: When we use sequence words like “First” at the beginning of a sentence to give instructions, we must put a comma after them. (A) is missing the punctuation, and (C) incorrectly uses a full stop, which ends the sentence before it even begins.
2 (A)
Explanation: “Next” is an introductory sequence word. It requires a comma to create a slight pause before the main instruction. (C) lacks punctuation, and (B) uses a full stop incorrectly.
3 (C)
Explanation: “Finally” introduces the last step of the instruction. A comma is required immediately after it. (A) is a common mistake (forgetting the comma), and (B) is structurally incorrect.
4 (B)
Explanation: “Second” acts as a sequence marker here. It must be followed by a comma. (A) and (C) have incorrect or missing punctuation.
5 (A)
Explanation: “Lastly” signals the final point. It needs a comma. (B) is a common mistake for A2 learners who forget to separate the sequence word from the main clause.
6 (C)
Explanation: “First of all” is a longer introductory phrase, but the rule is the same: use a comma after it. (B) uses a semicolon, which is wrong here, and (A) has no punctuation.
7 (A)
Explanation: The phrase “After that” transitions to the next step and must be followed by a comma. (B) lacks the comma, and (C) incorrectly cuts the sentence in half with a full stop.
8 (B)
Explanation: “Before you leave” is an introductory dependent clause in this context. It needs a comma to separate it from the main clause “you need to empty…”. (A) turns it into an incomplete sentence (fragment).
9 (B)
Explanation: While “Then” can sometimes be written without a comma in fast, informal writing, in step-by-step instructions at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is the standard, correct choice to signal the next step.
10 (A)
Explanation: “At the end” is an introductory prepositional phrase setting the time of the action. It requires a comma.
11 (C)
Explanation: Similar to “First of all”, “Second of all” is an introductory phrase that must be set off by a comma. (B) uses a full stop, breaking the sentence incorrectly.
12 (B)
Explanation: “After turning it on” is an introductory phrase. A comma is necessary before starting the main instruction “wait until…”.
13 (C)
Explanation: “To finish” acts as an introductory transitional phrase. The comma in (C) provides the correct grammatical pause.
14 (A)
Explanation: “Once you are done” is a dependent clause that comes before the main clause. It must be separated by a comma. (B) incorrectly creates a sentence fragment.
15 (C)
Explanation: “If this happens” introduces a condition. When the “if” clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it must be followed by a comma.
16 (B)
Explanation: “Meanwhile” is a conjunctive adverb used at the beginning of the sentence to show time relation. It must be followed by a comma.
17 (B)
Explanation: “Otherwise” is a transition word showing consequence. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it requires a comma.
18 (A)
Explanation: “If not” acts as a shortened conditional phrase at the start of the sentence. A comma is required to separate it from the main clause.
19 (B)
Explanation: “In this case” is an introductory prepositional phrase. It sets the context for the main clause and requires a comma.
20 (A)
Explanation: “To sum up” is a transitional phrase. Like all introductory transitions, it needs a comma before the main clause begins.
GRAMMAR POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Sequence Words (First, Next, Finally): When writing step-by-step instructions, always place a comma (,) immediately after introductory sequence words. This tells the reader to pause slightly before reading the main action.
- Introductory Phrases: Phrases that set the time or order at the beginning of a sentence (e.g., After that, First of all, Meanwhile) also require a comma.
- Avoid the Full Stop Trap: Do not use a full stop (.) after a sequence word (e.g., First. fill the tank -> INCORRECT). A full stop ends the sentence completely, making the sequence word a meaningless fragment.