Comma Usage

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 a list of three or more items?

Back

Use commas to separate the items in the list, and place an 'and' before the last item.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

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; it is set off by commas.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating dates?

Back

When writing dates, use a comma to separate the day from the year (e.g., May 6, 2023).

Front

How do you punctuate direct address in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of the person being addressed (e.g., "Let's eat, Grandma!").