Commas, Commas, 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 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, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

How do you use 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. Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

What is a direct quote?

Back

A direct quote is the exact words spoken or written by someone, enclosed in quotation marks. Example: He said, 'Hello!'

Front

How do you use commas in direct quotes?

Back

Place a comma before the opening quotation mark if the quote is preceded by a statement. Example: She said, 'It's time to go.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I wanted to play, but it was too late.'

Front

How do you use commas in addresses?

Back

Use commas to separate the city from the state and the state from the ZIP code. Example: 'Juneau, AK 99801.'

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides background information and is followed by a comma. Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went outside.'