3.4 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 a conjunction?

Back

You should use a comma 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 because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

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

What is a list and how do commas help?

Back

A list is a series of items. Commas are used to separate items in a list to make it clear and easy to read.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

How do commas help clarify meaning in a sentence?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses and separating ideas, which can prevent confusion.

Front

What is an example of a sentence that needs a comma?

Back

Example: "Before dinner we went for a walk." (Correct: "Before dinner, we went for a walk.")

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun.