Comma Rules

Front

What is a comma used for in a sentence?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, and to separate independent clauses.

Front

What is an appositive phrase?

Back

An appositive phrase is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun right beside it.

Front

How do you identify extra information about the subject in a sentence?

Back

Extra information about the subject can be identified by looking for phrases set off by commas that provide additional details about the subject.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in compound sentences?

Back

Commas are used in compound sentences to separate the independent clauses, especially when they are joined by coordinating conjunctions.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma should be used after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, and a comma is typically placed before the conjunction in a series (Oxford comma).

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a transitional phrase?

Back

A transitional phrase should be set off by commas when it appears at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.