Commas Review

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 a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, typically before the conjunction in a series (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning; it is set off by commas.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

A comma is used after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two items that are closely related.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'; its use is often debated.

Front

How do you punctuate direct address in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of the person being addressed (e.g., 'Let's eat, Grandma!').