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 a conjunction?

Back

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

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 is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning. It is set off by commas.

Front

Example of a non-essential clause in a sentence.

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.

Front

What is the rule for using 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

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when the adjectives are not equal or when they are part of a single idea, such as 'a big red balloon'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.