Mastering Common Comma Errors

Miss Cutley explains the correct use of commas in sentences, covering five key rules: using commas before coordinating conjunctions, after introductory dependent clauses, to separate items in a series, around appositives, and in direct address. Each rule is illustrated with examples, and additional practice resources are available through provided links.

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

• To separate clauses and ideas

• To introduce a quote

• To end a sentence

• To add extra words

Why is it important to use commas correctly?

• To introduce new topics

• To make sentences longer

• To avoid miscommunication

• To comply with essay standards

What acronym is used to remember coordinating conjunctions?

• COORDINATE

• CONJUNCT

• LINKERS

• FANBOYS

In which case do you not use a comma with coordinating conjunctions?

• When linking two independent clauses

• When the sentence is too long

• When linking a dependent and an independent clause

• When only one independent clause is present

What type of clause requires a comma after it when it starts a sentence?

• Adjective clause

• Noun clause

• Dependent clause

• Independent clause

Which conjunction is commonly used at the beginning of an introductory dependent clause?

• But

• Or

• And

• Since

What is the Oxford comma?

• A comma at the start of a list

• A comma used only in Oxford

• A comma after every item in a list

• A comma before 'and' in a list

What is an appositive?

• A type of conjunction

• An introductory phrase

• A clause that provides additional information about a noun

• A question phrase

What should you avoid when using commas in a list?

• Using a comma after the last item

• Omitting the Oxford comma

• Placing a comma before the first item

• Both A and B

When is a comma necessary in direct address?

• When listing names

• When mentioning someone's name in a story

• When calling out to someone directly

• When the name is at the end of a sentence