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 do you use a comma in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. For example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

How do you use commas with city and state names?

Back

Use a comma to separate the city from the state. For example: 'I live in Seattle, Washington.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in direct quotes?

Back

Place a comma before the opening quotation mark when introducing a quote. For example: He said, 'Hello.'

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 (Oxford comma). For example: 'I want to buy apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction. For example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses, separating ideas, and organizing lists.

Front

When do you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when the items in a list are only two. For example: 'I like apples and oranges.'

Front

What is an example of a sentence needing a comma for clarity?

Back

Example: 'Let's eat, Grandma!' vs. 'Let's eat Grandma!' The comma changes the meaning.