Commas, Commas, Commas

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, or 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 (Oxford comma), but it can be omitted in simpler lists.

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides context or background information for the main part of the sentence and is usually followed by a comma.

Front

When should you place a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should place a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma in a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's main meaning, and it should be set off by commas.

Front

How do you punctuate a non-essential clause?

Back

You should place commas before and after a non-essential clause to indicate that it is additional information.

Front

What is a direct address in a sentence?

Back

A direct address is when you speak directly to someone, and it is set off by commas.

Front

When should you use commas in direct address?

Back

You should use commas to separate the name or title of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.