Commas Commas Commas!

Front

What is the rule for using commas after introductory words or phrases?

Back

Commas should be placed after introductory words or phrases to separate them from the main clause. Example: 'After school, Sophie liked to walk to the 5 and Dime.'

Front

How do you correctly use commas in a compound sentence?

Back

In a compound sentence, use a comma before the conjunction (and, but, or) that connects two independent clauses. Example: 'Jim is very bold and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people.'

Front

What is the correct way to use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list. Example: 'Many swallows, finches, and robins nested high on the treetops.'

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction when it connects two independent clauses. Example: 'Harold is an excellent singer, and he can dance all of the latest dance moves.'

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides context for the main part of the sentence and is followed by a comma. Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: 'Amanda, can you please bring me the pencil sharpener?'.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Example: 'It was a long, tiring day.'

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 should be set off with commas. Example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when the sentence is simple and does not contain independent clauses or lists. Example: 'She likes to read books.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Example: 'I love apples, bananas, and oranges.'