Commas

Front

What is the primary 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, and to clarify meaning.

Front

Identify a common error in comma usage.

Back

A common error is using a comma to separate two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, e.g., 'I ate too much pizza, I'm really full.'

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.

Front

When should commas be used in a list?

Back

Commas should be used to separate three or more items in a list, e.g., 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

A comma should be placed after an introductory phrase or clause, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

How do you use commas with non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Non-restrictive clauses, which provide additional information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence, should be set off with commas, e.g., 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

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

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.

Front

What is an example of correct comma usage in a compound sentence?

Back

An example is: 'Everyone was busy, so I went bowling alone.'

Front

How should commas be used with adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, they should be separated by commas, e.g., 'The heavy, bulky box was difficult to carry.'