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 before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

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 the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun, for example: 'It was a long, exhausting day.'

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 dates?

Back

In dates, use a comma to separate the day from the year, for example: 'May 5, 2016.'

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

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.

Front

How do you use commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Use commas to set off non-essential clauses that add information but are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence, for example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.