Commas

Front

What is the purpose of commas in a sentence?

Back

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

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

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'I like apples oranges and bananas.'

Back

I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is a direct address in a sentence?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence, often set off by commas.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'Let's eat Grandma.'

Back

Let's eat, Grandma.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

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

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'I want to go to the park but it is raining.'

Back

I want to go to the park, but it is raining.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it, often set off by commas.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'My brother who lives in New York is visiting.'

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in dates?

Back

Use a comma to separate the day from the year and after the year if the sentence continues.