Commas

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should you use a comma in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

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

How do you use commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.'

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 (e.g., because, although).

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dependent clause?

Back

If a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, use a comma. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

When is it incorrect to use a comma?

Back

It is incorrect to use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. Example: 'My brother, a skilled guitarist, plays in a band.'

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'