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

Provide an example of a sentence with a comma before a conjunction.

Back

I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Front

What is a list comma?

Back

A list comma is used to separate items in a series or list, such as in 'apples, oranges, and bananas'.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of three or more items, placed before 'and' or 'or'.

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, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a direct address comma?

Back

A direct address comma is used to separate the name of a person being spoken to from the rest of the sentence, e.g., 'Let's eat, Grandma!'.

Front

How do commas help clarify meaning in a sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides additional information but can be removed without changing the sentence's main meaning.