Commas, Commas, Commas

Front

What is the primary purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, and to clarify meaning.

Front

What is an example of a comma used after an introductory phrase?

Back

First, I put on my fuzzy socks.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, for example: "I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes."

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, they should be separated by commas, e.g., "It was a long, tiring day."

Front

How do you use commas in compound sentences?

Back

In compound sentences, a comma is used before the conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects two independent clauses, e.g., "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

Front

What is the correct way to use a comma in a sentence with a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause is set off by commas, e.g., "Renee, who is a clown, threw a pie."

Front

How do you format addresses with commas?

Back

In addresses, commas are used to separate the city from the state and the state from the zip code, e.g., "Juneau, AK 99801."

Front

What is the rule for using commas with direct address?

Back

When directly addressing someone in a sentence, their name or title should be set off by commas, e.g., "Can you help me, John?"

Front

What is an example of a comma used before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

In the sentence "Jen isn't very funny, but her best friend Pam is hilarious," the comma is placed before 'but'.

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and are not set off by commas, while non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.