Using Commas Correctly

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

You should use a comma before 'and' in a list when you are listing three or more items. This is known as the Oxford comma.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'I like apples oranges and bananas.'

Back

I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses, separating items in a list, and setting off introductory elements or clauses.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'After dinner we went for a walk.'

Back

After dinner, we went for a walk.

Front

What is a series in writing?

Back

A series is a list of three or more items, actions, or ideas presented in a sentence.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'My favorite colors are blue green and red.'

Back

My favorite colors are blue, green, and red.

Front

What is an example of using a comma to separate adjectives?

Back

In the phrase 'It was a long, tiring day,' the comma separates the adjectives 'long' and 'tiring'.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

You should not use a comma when separating two items in a list (e.g., 'I like apples and oranges').