Comma and Punctuation Review

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, and clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

What is an example of a correctly punctuated sentence with a comma?

Back

"I went to the store, and I bought some milk."

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

Commas are used to separate the day from the year in a date, e.g., "January 25, 2017."

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

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and is set off by commas.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a non-restrictive clause.

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a restrictive and a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and does not use commas, while a non-restrictive clause adds extra information and is set off by commas.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two verbs in a compound predicate.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence with a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, e.g., "I need eggs, milk, and bread."