Commas

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, and 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 cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, for example: 'I bought 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 is it incorrect to use a comma?

Back

It is incorrect to use a comma when it separates a subject from its verb or when it separates two parts of a compound predicate.

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 usually set off by commas.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of a sentence and does not require commas.

Front

How do you punctuate direct address in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of the person being addressed, for example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'.