Using Commas Correctly

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, clarify meaning, and indicate pauses in sentences.

Front

How do you use commas when listing items in a series?

Back

Use commas to separate each item in a list, except for the last item, which is usually preceded by 'and'.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. It is used to avoid ambiguity.

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and'?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' when it connects two independent clauses or when listing items in a series.

Front

How do commas help clarify meaning in sentences?

Back

Commas can change the meaning of a sentence by indicating pauses or separating clauses, making the sentence clearer.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main part of the sentence.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and often requires a comma when combined with an independent clause.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun, but do not use commas if the adjectives are not equal.

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning; it is set off by commas.