Comma rules in four sentence types | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which of the following are ways a comma can be used?

• to end a sentence

• to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

• to separate nouns in a list

• to show where a relative clause begins and ends

Answer explanation

We never end a sentence with a comma. We know that a comma can also be used after an adverbial clause when it comes before the main clause.

Why has a comma been used in this sentence? Jun stepped into the warm, cosy classroom.

• to show where a relative clause begins or ends

• because a co-ordinating conjunction was used

• because it is after an adverbial clause

• to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

Answer explanation

The comma separates the adjectives 'warm' and 'cosy' in the expanded noun phrase 'the warm, cosy classroom'.

Which co-ordinating conjunctions require a comma before them in a compound sentence?

• and

• but

• or

Answer explanation

Remember, if the co-ordinating conjunction is not used to join on another main clause, a comma is never needed - for example 'It was cold but sunny'.

Which version of this sentence requires a comma to be added?

• After we returned from church we did Art.

• We did Art this afternoon.

• We did Art after we returned from church.

Answer explanation

The adverbial clause 'After we returned from church' is before the main clause 'we did Art'. This means there should be a comma after the word 'church' to show the end of the adverbial clause.

Which version of this sentence has the correct commas?

• My cousin who lives in Liverpool, is a cricket fanatic.

• My cousin, who lives in Liverpool is a cricket fanatic.

• My cousin, who lives in Liverpool, is a cricket fanatic.

Answer explanation

We place commas at the beginning and end of the relative clause. This shows us that this clause is extra information that could be removed. The main clause 'My cousin is a cricket fanatic' would still make sense.

Which version of this sentence has all the commas used correctly?

• We could play with Jacob, or we could invite Sam Izzy and Alex.

• We could play with Jacob, or we could invite Sam, Izzy and Alex.

• We could play with Jacob or we could invite Sam Izzy and Alex.

Answer explanation

We use a comma before the co-ordinating conjunction 'or' in a compound sentence. We also use a comma to separate items in a list of nouns.