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 in direct address?

Back

Use a comma to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence, e.g., "Can you help me, Sarah?"

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, e.g., "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

Front

What is the purpose of a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

The comma before 'and' in a list is called the Oxford comma and is used to clarify the separation of items, e.g., "I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Elvis Presley."

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause, e.g., "After dinner, we went for a walk."

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, and a comma is used before the conjunction, e.g., "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when it separates a subject from its verb or when it separates a verb from its object.

Front

What is an example of a sentence using a comma for clarity?

Back

"Let's eat, Grandma!" vs. "Let's eat Grandma!" The comma clarifies that you are speaking to Grandma.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a quote?

Back

Use a comma to introduce a quote, e.g., He said, "I will be there soon."

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun, e.g., "It was a long, tiring day."