Commas

Front

What is the primary 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, and to clarify meaning.

Front

How do you correctly use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list, placing 'and' before the last item (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause (e.g., After dinner, we went for a walk).

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate an address?

Back

In an address, use commas to separate the city from the state (e.g., Boise, Idaho).

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence (e.g., Let's eat, Grandma!).

Front

What is the Oxford comma, and when is it used?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or' (e.g., I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humpty Dumpty). It is used for clarity.

Front

How do you use commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Use commas to set off non-essential clauses that provide additional information but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning (e.g., My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting).

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun (e.g., It was a long, exhausting day).

Front

When should you not use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

Do not use a comma before 'and' in a list if there are only two items (e.g., I want tea and coffee).