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, separate items in a list, and 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

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an introductory phrase?

Back

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

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun.

Front

How should you punctuate an appositive?

Back

An appositive should be set off by commas if it is non-restrictive (providing extra information).

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

In a series of three or more items, commas are used to separate each item, and a conjunction is used before the last item.

Front

When is it necessary to use commas with adjectives?

Back

Commas are used to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a semicolon.