Comma Usage - Accept the Challenge!

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

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

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

How do you punctuate dates in a sentence?

Back

When writing dates, use a comma after the day and the year if the date is part of a larger sentence (e.g., 'On December 7, 1941, the attack occurred.').

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, and place a comma before the conjunction in a series of three or more items (e.g., 'apples, oranges, and bananas').

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When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two items that are closely related.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a semicolon.

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

Use a comma before the conjunction that connects the two independent clauses (e.g., 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.').

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or' (e.g., 'I love cats, dogs, and rabbits.').