commas, commas, commas

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 do we use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, for example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. For example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives describe the same noun, use commas to separate them. For example: 'She is a smart, talented student.'

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and'?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' when connecting two independent clauses or in a list of three or more items.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

How do you use commas with dates?

Back

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

Front

How do you use commas with 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?'

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

When do you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when the items in a list are only two, or when the adjectives are not coordinate (not equally modifying the noun).