ACT Comma Usage Flashcard 1

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, and to clarify meaning.

Front

What is a series in the context of comma usage?

Back

A series refers to three or more items listed in a sentence, which are separated by commas.

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

A comma should be used before 'and' in a list of three or more items (Oxford comma) to clarify the separation of items.

Front

What is the rule for separating adjectives with commas?

Back

When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, they should be separated by commas.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun, and it is set off by commas.

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides background information or context for the main part of the sentence and is usually followed by a comma.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dependent clause?

Back

If a dependent clause comes before the main clause, it should be followed by a comma.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in direct quotes?

Back

Commas are used to separate the quoted material from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and are not set off by commas, while non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object.