Comma Practice

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, and to clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

How do you punctuate direct quotes?

Back

Use a comma before the opening quotation mark when introducing a direct quote.

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

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

When should you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list of three or more.

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not necessary for the sentence's meaning; it is set off by commas.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause that precedes the main clause.

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and are not set off by commas; non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.