Introductory 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.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

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 of the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a correct use of a comma after an introductory phrase.

Back

After dinner, we went for a walk.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is a common mistake when using commas in direct address?

Back

A common mistake is to omit the comma when directly addressing someone, e.g., 'Let's eat, Grandma' vs. 'Let's eat Grandma'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that includes a list of three or more items?

Back

Use commas to separate the items in the list, and place a conjunction (like 'and' or 'or') before the last item.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

What is the Oxford comma, and when is it used?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. It is used for clarity, especially in complex lists.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Front

When should commas be used with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Commas should be used before coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when they connect two independent clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

Provide an example of a sentence that correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction.

Back

I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

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

Back

Non-essential clauses should be set off with commas because they can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

Give an example of a sentence with a non-essential clause correctly punctuated.

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B