ACT 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

When should a comma be used before the conjunction 'and'?

Back

A comma should be used before 'and' when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an example of a sentence that incorrectly uses a comma?

Back

An example is: 'I enjoy reading, and writing.' The comma before 'and' is unnecessary because 'reading and writing' are not independent clauses.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an appositive?

Back

An appositive should be set off by commas if it is non-restrictive, meaning it adds extra information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is a restrictive clause, and how does it affect comma usage?

Back

A restrictive clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies and should not be set off by commas.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

In a series of three or more items, commas are used to separate each item, and a comma is typically placed before the conjunction (Oxford comma) depending on style preference.

Front

When should commas be used with introductory phrases?

Back

Commas should be used after introductory phrases or clauses to separate them from the main clause.

Front

What is the difference between 'its' and 'it's'?

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.

Front

How do you correctly punctuate a sentence with a direct address?

Back

When directly addressing someone in a sentence, their name or title should be set off by commas.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinate adjectives?

Back

Commas should be used between coordinate adjectives that equally modify a noun, but not between cumulative adjectives.