Commas

Front

What is the purpose of a comma 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 in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list, e.g., 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

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

Front

How do you use commas with conjunctions?

Back

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

Front

Do you need a comma after introductory phrases?

Back

Yes, use a comma after introductory phrases or clauses, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

How do you punctuate direct address?

Back

Use commas to set off names or titles when directly addressing someone, e.g., 'Let's eat, Grandma!'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning; it should be set off by commas.

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, tiring day.'