Comma Usage

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, and to clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, with an optional comma before the conjunction (Oxford comma) depending on style.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

Where should the comma go in the sentence: 'I want to go to the park but it is raining'?

Back

Insert a comma before 'but' to separate the two independent clauses: 'I want to go to the park, but it is raining.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

Front

How do you punctuate direct quotations?

Back

Use commas to separate the quotation from the rest of the sentence, and place quotation marks around the quoted material.

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 is a comma not needed in a sentence?

Back

A comma is not needed when the sentence is short and clear, or when connecting two items in a simple list.