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, separate items in a list, and 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, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, typically before the conjunction in the last two items (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning; it is set off by commas.

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun (e.g., a long, winding road).

Front

What is a direct address in a sentence?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence, and it should be set off by commas (e.g., "Let's eat, Grandma!").

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause (e.g., "After dinner, we went for a walk.").

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a semicolon.