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 commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and often begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: Although it was raining.

Front

How do you use commas with dependent clauses?

Back

Use a comma before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence. Example: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. Example: I enjoy reading.

Front

How do you use commas with independent clauses?

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 for a walk, but it started to rain.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. Example: My brother, a skilled musician, plays the guitar.

Front

How do you use commas with appositives?

Back

Use commas to set off appositives from the rest of the sentence. Example: My dog, a golden retriever, loves to play fetch.

Front

What is a direct address?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence.

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

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