Using Commas

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

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an introductory phrase?

Back

You should place a comma after the introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is an example of a correctly punctuated sentence with a non-essential clause?

Back

Lindbergh, of course, is an aviation hero.

Front

Where should commas be placed in the sentence: 'Marcus my sister's hamster likes to run in a wheel'?

Back

Commas should be placed as follows: 'Marcus, my sister's hamster, likes to run in a wheel.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, and a comma is typically placed before the conjunction in a series (Oxford comma), though its use can vary.

Front

What is the function of commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used to separate the name or title of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate dates in a sentence?

Back

When writing dates, a comma is used to separate the day from the year, as in 'He took off on May 20, 1927.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides additional information that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence, and it is set off by commas.

Front

What is the difference between essential and non-essential clauses?

Back

Essential clauses are necessary for the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas, while non-essential clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.