ACT Comma Practice

Front

What is a comma used for in a list?

Back

A comma is used to separate items in a list to clarify the individual elements. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas before conjunctions?

Back

A comma is used before conjunctions (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when connecting two independent clauses. For example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction. For example: 'I wanted to go to the movies, but I had too much homework.'

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. For example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.'

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought. For example: 'She loves to read.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. For example: 'Although she loves to read.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. For example: 'I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humpty Dumpty.'

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. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. For example: 'I love to write I write every day.'

Front

What is a fragment?

Back

A fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. For example: 'Because I was late.'