Comma Rules Flashcard

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 before a conjunction?

Back

You should use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

In dates, a comma is used to separate the day from the year, e.g., 'May 25, 2022'.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in addresses?

Back

In addresses, commas are used to separate the street address from the city and the city from the state, e.g., '123 Main St, Springfield, IL'.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'.

Front

What is a direct address in a sentence?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence, and you should use a comma to separate the name, e.g., 'Can you help me, Sarah?'.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

In a list, commas are used to separate items, e.g., 'I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.'.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of three or more items, placed before 'and' or 'or', e.g., 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'.

Front

When should you use a comma with quotes?

Back

You should use a comma to separate a quote from the rest of the sentence, e.g., 'He said, "I will be there soon."'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, and a comma is used before the conjunction, e.g., 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'.