Comma Rules

Front

What is the purpose of commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, and to 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

Is this sentence correct? 'Carrots if you ask me are the worst, vegetables ever.'

Back

Incorrect. A comma is needed after 'Carrots' to separate the introductory phrase.

Front

How do you punctuate dates correctly?

Back

In a date, a comma is used to separate the day from the year, e.g., 'Saturday, June 23, 2018'.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'Today is Saturday, June 23 2018.'

Back

Incorrect. A comma is needed after 'June 23'.

Front

What is an example of a correct use of commas in a list?

Back

I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun, e.g., 'It was a long, tiring day.'

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'Seeing my ankle dangling loosely at the end of my leg, I screamed out in horror.'

Back

Correct. The introductory phrase is properly followed by a comma.

Front

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

Back

Non-essential clauses should be set off with commas, e.g., 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'Luisa, a University of Michigan graduate, now worked at a law firm in Grand Rapids.'

Back

Correct. The non-essential clause is correctly punctuated.