Commas Rules 2, 3, & 4

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 or a semicolon.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a sentence that correctly uses commas in a list?

Back

We ordered fried rice, egg rolls, Kung Po chicken, and won ton soup at the Chinese restaurant.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Commas should be used after introductory phrases or clauses to separate them from the main clause of the sentence.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series of adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives modify the same noun, commas are used to separate them if the adjectives are coordinate adjectives.

Front

What is an example of a sentence that uses commas to separate coordinate adjectives?

Back

The long, winding road led us to the beautiful, serene lake.

Front

What is the function of commas in non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Commas are used to set off non-restrictive clauses, which provide additional information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is an example of a non-restrictive clause?

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.

Front

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

Back

You should not use a comma before 'and' in a list if the items are not independent clauses or if the list is short and clear without it.