Grammar Review—Comma Usage

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, except for the last item, which is usually preceded by 'and' or 'or'.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Its use is often debated.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma should be used after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a direct address?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of a person being directly addressed in a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides additional information but can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence; it is set off by commas.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B