Commas in Phrases and Clauses

Front

What is a comma?

Back

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 a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (FANBOYS) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What does SWABI stand for in comma usage?

Back

SWABI stands for Since, When, After, Because, and If, which are subordinating conjunctions that often require a comma.

Front

How many commas are needed in the sentence: 'Because I do not like to share I eat my candy by myself.'?

Back

1 comma is needed after 'share'.

Front

What is a series in terms of comma usage?

Back

A series is a list of three or more items that should be separated by commas.

Front

How many commas are needed in the sentence: 'My class which consists of rotten children is learning about commas.'?

Back

2 commas are needed, one before 'which' and one after 'children'.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses, separating ideas, and organizing lists.

Front

Which sentence uses commas correctly: 'I went to the store, met up with my friends at the park, and went to the movies today.' or 'I went to the store, met up with my friends at the park and went to the movies today.'?

Back

The first sentence uses commas correctly.

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 does FANBOYS stand for?

Back

FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So, which are coordinating conjunctions.