Comma Rules

Front

What is the comma rule for separating the day and year in a date?

Back

Use a comma to separate the day from the year in a date. Example: On October 26, 2010, a sweet baby girl was born.

Front

When do you use a comma between adjectives?

Back

Use a comma between two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun. Example: We went out for a tasty, delicious dinner.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Example: Mary went running, and she saw a duck.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. Example: Mr. Jones, my math teacher, gave us a pop quiz.

Front

What is the comma rule for direct address?

Back

Use a comma to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: Andrew, please raise your hand before speaking.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a series?

Back

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

Front

What is an introductory word?

Back

An introductory word is a word or phrase that comes at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a comma. Example: However, I decided to stay home.

Front

When do you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when joining two independent clauses. Example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Use commas to set off non-essential clauses that add extra information but are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence. Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with dates?

Back

Use a comma to separate the day from the year in a full date. Example: We will meet on July 4, 2023.