Comma Rules 1-4

Front

What is the purpose of a comma 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

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 of the sentence.

Front

What is an example of a sentence that requires a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

"After dinner, we went for a walk."

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, for example: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

Front

What is the rule for using 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.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using a comma before a coordinating conjunction.

Back

"I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

Front

When should you use commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Commas should be used to set off non-essential clauses that add extra information but are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is an example of a non-essential clause?

Back

"My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting this weekend."

Front

What is the difference between essential and non-essential clauses?

Back

Essential clauses are necessary for the meaning of the sentence and do not require commas, while non-essential clauses can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning and require commas.

Front

When should you use a comma to separate adjectives?

Back

Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun.