Using Commas Correctly

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. It is used to avoid ambiguity.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma should be used after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

How do you correctly list items in a series?

Back

When listing items in a series, use commas to separate each item, and place a conjunction (like 'and' or 'or') before the last item.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is an example of a correctly punctuated list?

Back

An example of a correctly punctuated list is: 'I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.'

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

How do commas help clarify meaning in a sentence?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses and separating elements, which can prevent misreading or confusion.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.2B

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and is set off by commas.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

You should not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two items that are closely related.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A