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 three or more items, 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

When should you add a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should add a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

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

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

When do you use a comma in a compound sentence?

Back

You use a comma before the conjunction (like 'and', 'but', or 'or') that connects the two independent clauses.

Front

What is an example of a compound sentence?

Back

Example: 'I wanted to go for a swim, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

When should you use a comma with a dependent clause?

Back

You should use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause when the dependent clause comes first.