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 commas be used in a list?

Back

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

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 my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humpty Dumpty.'

Front

How do you use 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. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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 (e.g., because, although).

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dependent clause?

Back

If a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, use a comma. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides context for the main part of the sentence. It is often followed by a comma.

Front

When should you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause. Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.