Comma Usage

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 in a list?

Back

Use commas 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 like tea, coffee, and juice.'

Front

How do you use commas in compound sentences?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when connecting two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: 'Although it was raining...'

Front

When should you place a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Place a comma after an introductory phrase or clause that precedes the main clause. Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: 'I love to read I have many books.'

Front

How do you correct a run-on sentence?

Back

You can correct a run-on sentence by adding a comma and a conjunction, or by separating it into two sentences. Example: 'I love to read, and I have many books.'

Front

What is the purpose of 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

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Example: 'It was a long, tiring journey.'