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 punctuate a series of items in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a series, placing a comma before the conjunction (and, or) in the last item, known as the Oxford comma.

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 sets the stage for the sentence, often requiring a comma after it.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction when it connects two independent clauses or when it separates items in a complex list.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dependent clause at the beginning?

Back

Place a comma after the dependent clause when it precedes the independent clause.

Front

What is the function of commas in direct address?

Back

Commas are used to separate the name or title of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides additional information that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence, and it is set off by commas.

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives that equally modify a noun, but do not use commas with cumulative adjectives.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with dates and addresses?

Back

Use commas to separate the elements of a date (day, month, year) and to separate elements of an address (street, city, state).