Using Commas

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, to indicate a pause, or to clarify meaning in a sentence.

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 (known as the Oxford comma), but it is optional.

Front

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

Back

I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is a common mistake when using commas?

Back

A common mistake is placing a comma where it is not needed, such as before 'and' in a two-item list.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a date?

Back

When writing a date, use a comma to separate the day from the year, e.g., 'January 1, 2023.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'After dinner we went for a walk.'

Back

After dinner, we went for a walk.

Front

When should you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

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

Back

Let's eat, Grandma.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in compound sentences?

Back

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