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

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. Example: "I wanted to go, but I was too tired."

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: "Can you help me, Sarah?"

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

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

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Example: "I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Elvis Presley."

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Example: "It was a long, exhausting day."

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning. Use commas to set it off. 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 a subject from its verb or a verb from its object. Example: "The dog barked loudly."