Mastering the 8 Essential Comma Rules

This video from Sparkle English covers essential comma rules, including using commas in series, separating independent and dependent clauses, and other specific cases like quotations and dates. The video includes a 20-question test to assess understanding of these rules, with explanations for each answer. Viewers are encouraged to review the material if they score below 15 out of 20.

In a list of items, where should commas be placed?

• No commas are needed in a list

• Between each item except before the last 'and'

• Only between the first two items

• Between every item, including before the last 'and'

What is the purpose of the Oxford comma?

• To introduce a quotation

• To add clarity in lists before the conjunction

• To separate an introductory element

• To separate two independent clauses

When should a comma be used between independent clauses?

• When they are joined by conjunctions like 'and', 'but', 'or'

• Never, independent clauses should be separate sentences

• Only before the conjunction 'and'

• When they are joined by any word

What is the rule for comma usage with dependent and independent clauses?

• Comma between a dependent clause and an independent clause when the dependent clause comes first

• No comma is necessary between dependent and independent clauses

• Comma before the dependent clause only

• Comma after the independent clause only

What punctuation is used to separate extra information from the main sentence?

• Semicolon

• Comma

• Period

• Exclamation mark

What is the correct comma placement in direct speech according to American English?

• Comma is optional in direct speech

• No comma is used in direct speech

• Before the closing quotation marks

• After the closing quotation marks

How is a comma used in relation to introductory elements?

• Only with the introductory word 'sadly'

• No comma is needed

• Before the introductory element

• After the introductory element

Which rule explains the use of commas in addresses or geographical locations?

• Rule 6

• Rule 5

• Rule 7

• Rule 8

When correcting the quiz, what common mistake was pointed out in the use of commas with independent clauses?

• Using a comma after every independent clause

• Omitting a comma before the conjunction

• Using a comma before every independent clause

• Adding a comma after the conjunction

How should the date be punctuated in the sentence 'Harrison Ford was born on July 13, 1942'?

• No commas needed

• Comma after 'July' and '13'

• Comma only after '1942'

• Comma only after 'July'