Commas in Phrases and Clauses

Front

What is a comma used for in a sentence?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, or to set off clauses and phrases.

Front

What is an appositive phrase?

Back

An appositive phrase is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun right beside it.

Front

What does FANBOYS stand for?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Front

How do you use commas with two independent clauses?

Back

When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), place a comma before the conjunction.

Front

What is a series in writing?

Back

A series is a list of three or more items, which should be separated by commas.

Front

When should you use a comma for interruption?

Back

Use commas to set off words or phrases that interrupt the flow of a sentence, providing additional information.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate an appositive phrase?

Back

An appositive phrase should be set off by commas if it is non-restrictive (providing extra information).

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a series?

Back

In a series, use commas to separate each item, and place 'and' before the last item.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

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.