Commas, Commas, Commas

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 in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. For example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

How do you use commas with conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when connecting two independent clauses. For example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

When should you place a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Place a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. For example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

How do you use commas in dates?

Back

Use a comma to separate the day from the year in a date. For example: 'She was born on April 26, 2002.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. For example: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was raining.'

Front

When should you use commas with direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. For example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'

Front

How do you use commas with quotes?

Back

Use a comma to separate a quote from the rest of the sentence. For example: He said, 'I will be there soon.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the meaning. Use commas to set it off. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'