ELA 1 Comma Usage

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

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list. For example: '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'. For example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

When do you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

In a compound sentence, place a comma before the conjunction that connects the two independent clauses. For example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is a direct address?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence. Use commas to set off the name. For example: 'Lisa, can you help me?'

Front

When do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun. For example: 'It was a long, tiring day.'