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, 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

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate three or more items in a list, placing a comma before the conjunction in the last two items.

Front

What is an example of a correct use of commas in a sentence?

Back

"I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma should be placed after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is an example of an introductory phrase?

Back

"After dinner, we went for a walk."

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 an example of using commas with adjectives?

Back

"It was a long, tiring journey."

Front

When should you not use a comma with adjectives?

Back

Do not use a comma when the adjectives are cumulative and build upon each other, such as in "a big red ball."

Front

What is the rule for using commas with direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.