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 before 'and' in a list?

Back

You should use a comma before 'and' in a list of three or more items, known as the Oxford comma. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

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

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a comma with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when they connect two independent clauses. For example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

Use commas to separate the day from the year in a full date. For example: 'She was born on July 4, 1776.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

How do you use commas in addresses?

Back

Use commas to separate elements in an address, such as the street, city, and state. For example: 'I live at 123 Main St, Springfield, IL.'

Front

What is the purpose of commas in non-essential clauses?

Back

Commas are used to set off non-essential clauses that add extra information but are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

When should you use a comma with adjectives?

Back

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