Comma Usage: Common Mistakes to Avoid

This video tutorial explores the use of commas in English grammar. It begins by highlighting the importance of commas in altering sentence meaning. The tutorial covers the use of commas in compound sentences, particularly with coordinating conjunctions, and provides examples. It also explains the role of commas in appositives and lists, emphasizing clarity and avoiding unnecessary commas. The video concludes with a preview of more comma rules to be discussed in future tutorials.

Why are commas considered important in sentences?

• They are used more frequently than periods.

• They can change the meaning of a sentence.

• They are the only punctuation mark.

• They are used to end sentences.

What is the primary function of a comma in a compound sentence?

• To end the sentence.

• To separate two ideas while keeping them in one sentence.

• To indicate a question.

• To show excitement.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?

• I watched your video, and I feel more comfortable with commas.

• I watched your video or I feel more comfortable with commas.

• I watched your video and I feel more comfortable with commas.

• I watched your video but I feel more comfortable with commas.

Which coordinating conjunction is used in the sentence: 'I watched your video, and I feel more comfortable with commas'?

• Or

• But

• Nor

• And

Which sentence correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?

• I watched your video, but I do not feel more comfortable with commas.

• I watched your video, but I do not feel more comfortable with commas.

• I watched your video but, I do not feel more comfortable with commas.

• I watched your video but I do not feel more comfortable with commas.

In the sentence 'Jason, my cat, hates water', what is 'my cat'?

• An appositive

• A verb

• A subject

• An adjective

Which of the following is an example of an appositive?

• I watched your video.

• I feel more comfortable with commas.

• I need a pencil, some paper, and an open mind.

• Jason, my cat, hates water.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas in a list?

• I need a pencil, some paper and, an open mind.

• I need a pencil some paper, and an open mind.

• I need a pencil, some paper, and an open mind.

• I need a pencil, some paper and an open mind.

What is the mistake in the sentence: 'The only things I honor are my president, my God, and my country'?

• The comma after 'my president' should be removed.

• The sentence is correct.

• The comma after 'my God' should be removed.

• There should be no commas.

What is the purpose of a comma in a list?

• To indicate a question.

• To end the list.

• To separate items in the list.

• To start the list.