Introductory Commas

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

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

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

When do you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main part of the sentence.

Front

What is an example of an introductory phrase?

Back

An example of an introductory phrase is 'After dinner,' or 'In the morning,'.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

You use commas to separate items in a list, such as 'apples, oranges, and bananas'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

You punctuate a compound sentence by placing a comma before the conjunction that connects the two independent clauses.

Front

What is a direct address?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence, and you should use a comma to separate the name from the rest of the sentence.