Comma Use Review

Front

What is the purpose of commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, to separate clauses, and to clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

A comma should be used before 'and' in a list of three or more items (Oxford comma), e.g., 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is an introductory element in a sentence?

Back

An introductory element is a word or phrase that comes before the main clause, often setting the stage for the sentence, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides extra information and is set off by commas, e.g., 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of a sentence and is not set off by commas, e.g., 'The book that I borrowed was great.'

Front

When should you use commas with direct address?

Back

Commas are used to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence, e.g., 'Can you help me, Sarah?'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses, e.g., 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

How do you use commas with transitional phrases?

Back

Commas should be used before and after transitional phrases that interrupt the flow of a sentence, e.g., 'The meeting, however, was postponed.'

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence with an appositive?

Back

An appositive, which renames a noun, should be set off by commas, e.g., 'My friend, a talented musician, is performing tonight.'

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object, e.g., 'The dog barked loudly.'