STAAR Review for 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 'and' in a list?

Back

You should use a comma before 'and' in a list when it separates the last two items in a series, known as the Oxford comma.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses, separating ideas, and organizing information.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a sentence that needs a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

When should you add a comma in a compound sentence?

Back

You should add a comma before the conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') that 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 expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

How do you use commas with direct address?

Back

When directly addressing someone in a sentence, use a comma to separate the name from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is an example of direct address using a comma?

Back

Example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'.