Comma Review

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 of three or more items (known as the Oxford comma). For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

In dates, use a comma to separate the day from the year. For example: 'July 4, 1776.'

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

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

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction. For example: 'I like ice cream but I don't eat it often.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction. For example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun. For example: 'It was a long, tiring day.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. Use commas to set it off. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. For example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'