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 rule for using commas with conjunctions?

Back

When using a conjunction (like 'and' or 'but') to connect two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction. Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

How do you use commas with dates?

Back

In a date, place a comma after the day and after the year if the date is in the middle of a sentence. Example: 'I was born on June 20, 1979, in Bloomington, Illinois.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate two items in a compound subject or compound predicate. Example: 'My brother and sister are coming.'

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.'

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning. It should be set off by commas. Example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

How do you use commas with direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Use a comma before the conjunction. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'