ACT Comma Usage Flashcard 1

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, or to clarify meaning.

Front

When should a comma be used before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') 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

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

Commas are used to separate three or more items in a series, with a comma before the conjunction in the last item (Oxford comma is optional).

Front

How do you punctuate introductory phrases?

Back

A comma is used after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is the rule for separating adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, they should be separated by a comma.

Front

What is the function of commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma when the sentence is short and clear, or when separating a subject from its verb.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.