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

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

Correct the sentence: I like apples oranges and bananas.

Back

I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

Correct the sentence: I wanted to go to the park but it started to rain.

Back

I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun. For example: 'It was a long, tiring day.'

Front

Correct the sentence: The big brown dog barked loudly.

Back

The big, brown dog barked loudly.

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides extra information about a noun and is set off by commas. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

Correct the sentence: My sister who is a doctor lives in California.

Back

My sister, who is a doctor, lives in California.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. For example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'