Comma Rules Review

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 non-essential information, and to 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 in the list, and place a conjunction before the last item (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is an example of a sentence that correctly uses a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

After dinner, we went for a walk.

Front

Where should the comma be placed in the closing of a letter?

Back

A comma should be placed after the closing phrase, such as 'Sincerely,' or 'Very truly yours,'.

Front

How do you punctuate an address correctly?

Back

An address should be punctuated with commas separating the street address, city, and state (e.g., 214 Hampton Avenue, Lexington, South Carolina 29072).

Front

What is a non-essential clause, and how is it punctuated?

Back

A non-essential clause adds information but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. It is set off by commas (e.g., My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting).

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two items that are closely related.

Front

What is the Oxford comma, and why is it used?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. It is used to avoid ambiguity.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun (e.g., It was a long, exhausting day).