Commas

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

How do you correctly punctuate a list of three or more items?

Back

Use commas to separate the items, and place an 'and' before the last item (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is the rule for using commas in addresses?

Back

In an address, use a comma to separate the city from the state (e.g., Boise, Idaho).

Front

How should you punctuate a greeting in a letter?

Back

Use a comma after the greeting (e.g., Dear John,).

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or' (e.g., I love apples, bananas, and cherries).

Front

When should commas be used with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma 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 rule for using commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Use commas to set off non-essential clauses that provide additional information but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.

Front

How do you punctuate direct address in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence (e.g., Let's eat, Grandma!).

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.