Comma rules for a test

What is a comma?

A punctuation mark indicating a pause between parts of a sentence.

Use a comma before conjunctions.

Place a comma before 'and', 'but', 'or', etc., in compound sentences.

Example of a compound sentence.

"I wanted pizza, but he wanted sushi."

True or false: Commas separate items in a list.

True, because commas help clarify the items.

What is an Oxford comma?

The comma before 'and' in a list. Example: 'apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Fill in the blank: Use a comma after an introductory _____.

Phrase; e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses.

Restrictive clauses don't use commas; non-restrictive clauses do.

What is a non-restrictive clause?

A clause that adds extra information but is not essential. E.g., 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Use commas with direct address.

E.g., 'Can you help me, Sarah?' Place commas around the name.

True or false: Commas are used to join independent clauses.

False, because they need a conjunction to do this.

Use commas for dates and addresses.

E.g., 'On July 4, 1776, the Declaration was signed.'

What are appositives?

Nouns or noun phrases that rename another noun; e.g., 'My friend, a talented musician, plays guitar.'

What is a series?

A list of three or more items. Use commas to separate them.

Fill in the blank: Use a comma before a quotation's _____.

Introduction; e.g., He said, 'Hello!'

Use commas with transitional phrases.

E.g., 'However, we decided to leave early.'

True or false: Commas are optional in short sentences.

True, but they help clarity.

What is a compound sentence?

A sentence with at least two independent clauses connected by a conjunction.

Difference between commas and semicolons.

Commas indicate pauses; semicolons connect related independent clauses.