Comma Rules 1-4

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, or 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 because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a comma separating items in a list.

Back

I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

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

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 sentence's meaning.

Front

How do you punctuate a non-essential clause?

Back

Non-essential clauses should be set off by commas.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a non-essential clause.

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using direct address with a comma.

Back

Can you help me, Sarah?