Comma 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, to separate items in a list, and to 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 an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, typically before the conjunction in the last two items (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. It is set off by commas.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate direct quotes?

Back

Direct quotes should be enclosed in quotation marks, and a comma is used before the quote if it follows a statement.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when connecting two items in a simple series or when the sentence is short and clear without it.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Its use can clarify meaning.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an introductory phrase?

Back

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