7th Grade Comma Practice

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 person's name in direct address?

Back

A comma should be used before a person's name in direct address to separate it from the rest of the sentence, e.g., 'Did you eat, Jerry?'

Front

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

Back

'My doctor, who graduated from Harvard University, is very intelligent.' This sentence uses commas to set off the non-restrictive clause.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that begins with an introductory phrase?

Back

You should place a comma after the introductory phrase, e.g., 'Not very long ago, you were just learning how to walk.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, e.g., 'I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.' The last comma before 'and' is optional (Oxford comma).

Front

When should you use a comma before conjunctions?

Back

A comma should be used before conjunctions (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when they connect two independent clauses, e.g., 'My older brother gets on my nerves, so I ignore him all the time.'

Front

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

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and are not set off by commas, while non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

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

Back

'Tomorrow for lunch, we will have pizza.' The comma clarifies that 'for lunch' modifies the entire clause.

Front

What is the function of a comma in separating adjectives?

Back

Commas are used to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun, e.g., 'It was a long, exhausting day.'

Front

How do you punctuate dates and addresses?

Back

Commas are used to separate elements in dates (e.g., 'July 4, 1776') and addresses (e.g., '123 Main St, Springfield, IL').