Commas, Dashes, and Parentheses

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

What is a dash?

Back

A dash is a punctuation mark used to indicate a break in thought or to set off additional information.

Front

What are parentheses?

Back

Parentheses are punctuation marks used to enclose additional information or clarifications within a sentence.

Front

When should you use commas?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, before conjunctions in compound sentences, and to set off extra information.

Front

When should you use dashes?

Back

Use dashes to add emphasis or to insert additional information that is not essential to the main sentence.

Front

When should you use parentheses?

Back

Use parentheses to include non-essential information or clarifications that can be omitted without changing the main meaning.

Front

Identify the extra information in this sentence: 'The dog, a golden retriever, loves to play.'

Back

The extra information is 'a golden retriever'.

Front

Identify the extra information in this sentence: 'My sister, who is an artist, painted this picture.'

Back

The extra information is 'who is an artist'.

Front

What punctuation is used in this sentence: 'The book (which I borrowed) is on the table.'?

Back

Parentheses are used.

Front

What punctuation is used in this sentence: 'I will go to the park - if it stops raining.'?

Back

A dash is used.