Grammar Review: Comma Usage

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 (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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 group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

When should commas be used in a list?

Back

Commas should be used to separate three or more items in a list.

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A clause that adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning, usually set off by commas.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A clause that is essential to the meaning of a sentence and is not set off by commas.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an introductory phrase?

Back

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

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object.