Comma Rules

Front

What is a comma used for between two adjectives?

Back

A comma is used to separate two adjectives that equally describe a noun, such as in 'The nasty, rude driver.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, such as 'Before you turn in your homework, make sure your name is on it.'

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun, as in 'Christmas, my favorite holiday, seems so far away.'

Front

What is direct address in a sentence?

Back

Direct address is when a speaker calls out to someone by name, as in 'Ally, are you listening to me?'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, such as 'Manvi can turn in her homework digitally, or she can bring it to school tomorrow.'

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' in a list of three or more items, such as 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the purpose of a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma is used after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause, as in 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

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 crucial to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with dates and addresses?

Back

Use commas to separate elements in dates and addresses, such as 'On July 4, 1776, the Declaration was signed.'