Commas Commas Commas!

Front

What is the purpose of commas in a sentence?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a comma 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 introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that comes before the main clause of a sentence and sets the stage for it.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with an introductory phrase followed by a comma.

Back

After dinner, we went for a walk.

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

Is this sentence correct? 'I like apples, oranges and bananas.'

Back

No, it is better to say 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.' with the Oxford comma.

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning.

Front

How do you punctuate a non-restrictive clause?

Back

You should set off a non-restrictive clause with commas.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a non-restrictive clause.

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, except before the conjunction in a simple list.