Comma Practice

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is the final comma in a list of items, placed before the conjunction (usually 'and' or 'or'). For example, in the list 'apples, oranges, and bananas', the Oxford comma is the one before 'and'.

Front

When should you use a comma with introductory phrases?

Back

A comma should be used after introductory phrases or words to separate them from the main clause. For example, in 'After dinner, we went for a walk', the comma follows 'After dinner'.

Front

Where should the comma go in this sentence: 'After Madeline died Usher decided to save her body.'?

Back

The comma should be placed after 'died': 'After Madeline died, Usher decided to save her body.'

Front

Where should the comma go in this sentence: 'Even though the story was written long ago it remains popular with fans of horror.'?

Back

The comma should be placed after 'ago': 'Even though the story was written long ago, it remains popular with fans of horror.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas between two adjectives?

Back

Use a comma between two adjectives that can be reversed in order. For example, in 'It was a long, tiring day', 'long' and 'tiring' can be reversed to 'tiring, long'.

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides context or background information for the main part of the sentence. It is usually followed by a comma.

Front

What is the purpose of the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma clarifies the meaning of a sentence by preventing ambiguity in lists. For example, 'I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Elvis' is clearer with the Oxford comma.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when the adjectives are not coordinate, meaning they cannot be reversed. For example, in 'a small red car', no comma is needed.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction. For example, 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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, often requiring a comma when it precedes an independent clause.