Commas Commas 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, and to clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

A comma should be used before 'and' in a list of three or more items to separate the last item from the rest.

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides background information or context for the main part of the sentence, often 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.

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning; it is set off by commas.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause provides essential information about a noun and is not set off by commas.

Front

How do you punctuate a direct address in a sentence?

Back

When directly addressing someone in a sentence, use commas to set off the name or title.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with dates?

Back

When writing dates, use a comma to separate the day from the year, and also after the year if the sentence continues.

Front

How do you use commas in compound sentences?

Back

In compound sentences, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'; its use is often debated.