Using commas

Front

What is the purpose of using commas 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 before a conjunction?

Back

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

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it has a subject and a verb.

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.

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 a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides additional information but can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence. It is set off by commas.

Front

When should you place a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma should be placed after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause, for example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

How do you punctuate direct quotations?

Back

Commas are used to separate the quotation from the rest of the sentence, for example: 'He said, "I will be there soon."'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun, for example: 'It was a long, tiring day.'

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 like apples, bananas, and cherries.'