Comma Rules Practice

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, and to clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

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

How do you punctuate a list of three or more items?

Back

Use commas to separate the items in the list, and place a conjunction (like 'and' or 'or') before the last item.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

When should you not use a comma in a sentence?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb, or to separate two items that are closely related.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Its use is often debated.

Front

How do commas function in complex sentences?

Back

In complex sentences, commas are used to separate dependent clauses from independent clauses, especially when the dependent clause comes first.

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.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.