Introductory 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 we use commas in a list?

Back

We use commas to separate items in a list, for example: apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

The comma before 'and' in a list is called the Oxford comma, and it helps clarify the separation of items.

Front

How do we use commas in compound sentences?

Back

We use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and' or 'but') to connect two independent clauses, for example: I wanted to go, but it was raining.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually starts with a subordinating conjunction like 'although' or 'because'.

Front

When do we use commas after introductory phrases?

Back

We use commas after introductory phrases to separate them from the main part of the sentence, for example: After dinner, we went for a walk.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with correct comma usage?

Back

An example is: Although it was raining, we decided to go for a picnic.

Front

How do we punctuate direct address with commas?

Back

We use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence, for example: Can you help me, Sarah?

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.