Comma Rules

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

Use a comma 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

When should you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list to clarify the items.

Front

What is a direct quote?

Back

A direct quote is the exact words spoken or written by someone, usually enclosed in quotation marks.

Front

How do you punctuate a direct quote?

Back

Place a comma before the opening quotation marks when introducing a direct quote.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it.

Front

When should you use commas with appositives?

Back

Use commas to set off appositives that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.