Commas

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, and to clarify meaning.

Front

How do you correctly format a date with commas?

Back

In a date, the correct format is 'Month Day, Year', for example, 'July 4, 2016'.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

In a list of three or more items, commas are used to separate the items, with an optional comma before the conjunction (Oxford comma). For example, 'apples, oranges, and bananas'.

Front

How should commas be used in addresses?

Back

In addresses, commas are used to separate the city from the state, for example, 'Idaho Falls, Idaho'.

Front

What is the correct way to write a city and state combination?

Back

The correct format is 'City, State', with a comma separating the city and state, for example, 'New Palestine, Indiana'.

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 introductory element in a sentence?

Back

An introductory element is a word, phrase, or clause that comes before the main clause and is usually followed by a comma.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, they should be separated by commas, for example, 'It was a long, exhausting day'.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Non-essential clauses (or phrases) that add information but are not necessary for the sentence's meaning should be set off with commas.

Front

How do you punctuate a direct address in a sentence?

Back

When directly addressing someone, their name or title should be set off by commas, for example, 'Let's eat, Grandma!'