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 a comma in a date?

Back

Use a comma to separate the day from the year in a date. Example: August 21, 2017.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list. Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Example: I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses. Example: I wanted to go, but I was too tired.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. Example: After dinner, we went for a walk.

Front

When should you use commas with adjectives?

Back

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

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 meaning. Use commas to set it off. Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.

Front

How do you use commas with direct address?

Back

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