USING COMMAS

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, 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 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

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, typically before the conjunction in a series (e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas).

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

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

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun (e.g., a long, winding road).

Front

How do you punctuate direct quotations?

Back

Use a comma to separate the quotation from the rest of the sentence, placing it before the opening quotation mark (e.g., She said, "Hello").

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 and is set off by commas.