Comma Flashcard

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 sentence?

Back

You should use a comma before 'and' 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 because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

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

Front

What is a direct address in a sentence?

Back

A direct address is when you call someone by name in a sentence, and you should use commas to set off the name.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

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

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides extra information but can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence, and it should be set off by commas.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or to separate two items that are closely related.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', or 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.