Comma Rules

Front

What is the purpose of commas 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 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 a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, except for the last item, which is usually preceded by 'and' or 'or'.

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that comes before the main clause and is usually followed by a comma.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when it separates a subject from its verb or when it separates two items in a simple list.

Front

What is a direct quote?

Back

A direct quote is the exact words spoken or written by someone, and it is usually enclosed in quotation marks with a comma before the quote.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun.

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

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'.