Commas, Commas, Commas!

Front

What is the purpose of using 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

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

When do you use commas in a series?

Back

Commas are used to separate three or more items in a list, such as 'apples, oranges, and bananas'.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'I like to read, and to write.'

Back

Yes, the sentence is correct. The comma is used before the conjunction 'and'.

Front

What is a common mistake when using commas?

Back

A common mistake is using a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction, which creates a comma splice.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma before a dependent clause at the end of a sentence.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. It is used for clarity.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a quote?

Back

Use a comma to separate the quote from the rest of the sentence, e.g., He said, 'Hello!'