Major Comma Rules

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.

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When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

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What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

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How do you use commas in a series?

Back

Commas are used to separate three or more items in a list. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. Examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

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When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

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A comma should be used after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought.

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How do you punctuate direct address in a sentence?

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When addressing someone directly, use commas to set off their name or title. For example: 'Thank you, Sarah, for your help.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. For example: 'I love apples, bananas, and cherries.'

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun. For example: 'It was a long, exhausting day.'