Comma Usage Practice I

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 (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) 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 direct quotations?

Back

Direct quotations should be enclosed in quotation marks, and commas are used to separate the quotation from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence with an appositive?

Back

An appositive should be set off by commas if it is non-restrictive, meaning it adds extra information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

When should you not use a comma in a sentence?

Back

You should not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb, between two items in a compound subject or compound predicate, or before a conjunction that connects two items in a series.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate three or more items in a list, and a comma is typically placed before the conjunction in the last item (Oxford comma).

Front

How do you punctuate a letter's salutation?

Back

In a letter, the salutation should be followed by a comma, e.g., 'Dear Grandma,'.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of a sentence and should not be set off by commas.

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning and should be set off by commas.