Commas, Ellipses and Dashes

Front

What is a comma?

Back

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 a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and' or 'but') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an ellipsis?

Back

A series of three dots (...) indicating the omission of words or a pause in speech.

Front

When should you use ellipses?

Back

Use ellipses to show that part of a quote has been omitted or to indicate a trailing off in thought.

Front

What is a dash?

Back

A punctuation mark (—) used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence.

Front

When should you use dashes?

Back

Use dashes to set off additional information or to create emphasis in a sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate direct address?

Back

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

Front

Example of a sentence using a comma in direct address.

Back

"Can you help me, Sarah?"

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list to clarify meaning.

Front

Example of a list using commas.

Back

"I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes."