Commas: Clarity and Appositives Flashcard

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 when you are listing three or more items (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun right next to it.

Front

Example of a sentence with an appositive.

Back

My brother, a talented musician, plays the guitar.

Front

How do commas help clarify meaning in sentences?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by separating ideas, items, or clauses, making the sentence easier to read and understand.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause (e.g., After dinner, we went for a walk).

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Front

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

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and do not use commas, while non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

Identify the appositive in this sentence: 'My sister, a nurse, works at the hospital.'

Back

The appositive is 'a nurse'.

Front

What is the correct way to use commas in this sentence: 'I like pizza pasta and salad.'

Back

The correct way is: 'I like pizza, pasta, and salad.'