Mastering Comma Usage in Sentences

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list to clarify the individual elements.

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How do you correctly use commas with words of direct address?

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Commas are used to set off the name or title of the person being addressed, e.g., 'Sarah, please pass the salt.'

Front

What is the correct way to use a comma when separating a city and state?

Back

A comma is placed between the city and the state, e.g., 'I live in Austin, Texas.'

Front

How do you separate adjectives with commas?

Back

Commas are used to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun, e.g., 'It was a long, hot summer.'

Front

What is a tag question and how is it punctuated with commas?

Back

A tag question is a short question added to the end of a statement, and it is set off by a comma, e.g., 'You're coming with us, aren't you?'.

Front

What is the rule for using commas before conjunctions in a list?

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A comma is placed before the conjunction (and, or) in a list of three or more items, known as the Oxford comma, e.g., 'We need pencils, paper, and erasers.'

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

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A comma should be used after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is the function of commas in compound sentences?

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Commas are used before coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate independent clauses in compound sentences.

Front

How do you use commas with non-essential clauses?

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Commas are used to set off non-essential clauses that provide additional information but are not crucial to the meaning of the sentence, e.g., 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with dates?

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Commas are used to separate the day from the month and the year in a full date, e.g., 'On July 4, 1776, the Declaration was signed.'