Comma Rules

Front

What is a comma?

Back

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

Use a comma before a conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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 group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

A noun or noun phrase that renames or clarifies another noun next to it, often set off by commas.

Front

What is the rule for commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list, placing a comma before the conjunction in the last item (Oxford comma is optional).

Front

Where should the comma go in this sentence: 'I traveled to Alaska the largest U.S. state for two weeks.'?

Back

After 'Alaska'.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

To separate the introductory phrase from the main clause of the sentence.