Commas and Combining Sentences

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 a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Front

How do you correctly punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

You should place a comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins the 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; it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used in direct address to separate the name or title of the person being spoken to from the rest of the sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a transitional phrase?

Back

You should place a comma before and after a transitional phrase to set it off from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.