Formative 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 a comma be used before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used 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, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

Provide an example of a correctly punctuated sentence with a conjunction.

Back

Waldo sees his uncle every Christmas and Thanksgiving, but he'd like to see him more frequently.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, except for the last item, which is usually preceded by 'and' or 'or'.

Front

When should a comma be used after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma should be used after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with an introductory phrase.

Back

After dinner, I’m going to the park, and he’s going to the cinema.

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and is usually set off by commas.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a non-restrictive clause.

Back

My mom, who is a nurse, cares for the sick, injured, and disabled.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in dates?

Back

Commas are used in dates to separate the day from the year and to separate the year from the rest of the sentence.