Comma Rules

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

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

Back

Use commas to separate the items in the list, and place an 'and' or 'or' before the last item.

Front

What is an example of a correctly punctuated date?

Back

May 5, 2016 is an example of a correctly punctuated date.

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

A comma should be placed after an introductory phrase or clause that precedes the main clause.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a direct address?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of the person being addressed.

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 optional but can clarify meaning.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate a verb from its object.

Front

What is an example of a sentence that uses commas correctly?

Back

I went to the store and bought apples, oranges, and bananas.