Commas

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a list?

Back

To separate items in a series, making the sentence clearer. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

When should you place a comma before a conjunction?

Back

When it connects two independent clauses. For example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb. For example: 'She loves to read.'

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. For example: 'Because it was raining.'

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

To separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A clause that adds extra information but is not necessary for the sentence's meaning. It is set off by commas. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, use commas to separate them. For example: 'It was a long, tiring journey.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. For example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'.

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

Use a comma to separate the day from the year and after the year if the sentence continues. For example: 'On July 4, 1776, the Declaration was signed.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in geographical names?

Back

Use commas to separate the city from the state or country. For example: 'I live in Seattle, Washington.'