Commas

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. For example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause provides additional information that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. It is set off by commas. Example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

How do you use commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that comes before the main clause and is followed by a comma. Example: 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

When should you use a comma with direct address?

Back

Use a comma to separate the name of a person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: 'Can you help me, Sarah?'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I wanted to play outside, but it started to rain.'

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Example: 'It was a long, tiring day.'

Front

What is a city and state comma rule?

Back

When writing a city and state, use a comma to separate the city from the state. Example: 'I live in Orlando, Florida.'

Front

What is a parenthetical element?

Back

A parenthetical element is additional information that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. It is set off by commas. Example: 'The book, which was published last year, is a bestseller.'