ACT Comma Rules- Part I

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, and clarify meaning.

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for lists?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, and place 'and' before the last item.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with multiple adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives that equally describe a noun.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating direct address?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of a person being addressed.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate a verb from its object.