Commas

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 a comma in a list?

Back

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

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

Use commas to separate the day from the year in a date. For example: 'On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in addresses?

Back

Use commas to separate the street address from the city and the city from the state. For example: 'I live at 123 Main St, Springfield, IL.'

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before conjunctions (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when they connect two independent clauses. For example: 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.'

Front

What is a direct address in a sentence?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence. Use commas to set off the name. For example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. Use commas to set it off. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate two items in a simple list. For example: 'I like apples and oranges.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of three or more items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. For example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'