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 before 'and' in a list?

Back

A comma should be used before 'and' in a list of three or more items (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas). This is known as the Oxford comma.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

Back

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

Front

How do you punctuate dates correctly?

Back

In dates, a comma is used to separate the day from the year (e.g., May 5, 2016).

Front

Where should a comma be placed in the sentence: 'No I don't want to answer the doorbell right now'?

Back

A comma should be placed after 'No': 'No, I don't want to answer the doorbell right now.'

Front

What is a common mistake when using commas in a list?

Back

A common mistake is omitting the comma before 'and' in a list of three or more items.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

A comma is used 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 the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and do not require commas. Non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two items that are closely related.