Commas and Clauses

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, and to clarify meaning.

Front

When should a comma be placed before the conjunction 'but'?

Back

A comma should be placed before 'but' 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

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

What are coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance, such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is punctuated with a comma before the coordinating conjunction that connects the independent clauses.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used in a list to separate items, making it clear that each item is distinct.

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 not use a comma before 'but'?

Back

You should not use a comma before 'but' when it connects two elements that are not independent clauses.

Front

What is the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.