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 'and' in a list?

Back

You should use a comma before 'and' in a list when it is part of a series of three or more items (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main part of the sentence (e.g., After dinner, we went for a walk).

Front

What is an example of using commas in direct address?

Back

In direct address, commas are used to separate the name of the person being spoken to from the rest of the sentence (e.g., Let's eat, Grandma!).

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun (e.g., It was a long, tiring day).

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and is set off by commas (e.g., My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting).

Front

How do you use commas with dates?

Back

Use commas to separate the day from the year in a date (e.g., July 4, 1776, is a significant date in American history).

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

In a series, use commas to separate three or more items (e.g., I bought apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes).

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object (e.g., The dog barked loudly, not The dog, barked loudly).