Using 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 before 'and' in a list?

Back

You should use a comma before 'and' in a list when you are separating three or more items. This is known as the Oxford comma.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'I bought apples oranges and bananas.'

Back

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used in direct address to separate the name of the person being spoken to from the rest of the sentence.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'Let's eat grandma.'

Back

Let's eat, grandma.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'After dinner we went for a walk.'

Back

After dinner, we went for a walk.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'I wanted to go however I was too tired.'

Back

I wanted to go; however, I was too tired.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with yes and no?

Back

When using 'yes' or 'no' at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma after it.