Commas

Question 1

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Answer 1

Between Independent (Main) Clauses: such as when two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction. Put a comma at the end of the first clause.

Question 2

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Answer 2

Introductory Elements: such as an introductory adverb clause or a prepositional phrase. Also, a verbal phrase or an adverb or phrase applying to the whole following clause, not just to the verb. [e.g. “Without a doubt, they did not know what they were doing.”]

Question 3

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Answer 3

Items In a Series: such as between words, phrases, and clauses in a series. [e.g. “The bikers roared through the park, down the main street, and into the Capitol parking lot.”

Question 4

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Answer 4

Between Coordinate Adjectives: in a series of two or more adjectives of the same kind and importance, use a comma. Do not use a comma after a word used to describe another adjective (e.g. “a bright orange vest”) or if the last adjective is considered part of the noun (e.g. “a tall pine tree”).

Question 5

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Answer 5

Parenthetical Expressions: words or word groups that interrupt the main flow of thought in a sentence but are not necessary to the sentence (e.g. “They were, in my opinion, not guilty.”).

Question 6

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Answer 6

Nonessential Clauses, Phrases, and Appositives: clauses and phrases that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (e.g. “Soccer, which Europeans call football, is growing more popular in the United States.”).

Question 7

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Answer 7

To Control Your Meaning: (e.g. “Her friends who live nearby worried about her.” [only the friends who lived nearby her worried about her] versus “Her friends, who live nearby, worried about her.” [All of her friends, who all live nearby, worry about her.]

Question 8

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Answer 8

Absolute Phrases: [e.g. “The ATM having kept his card, Finch had no cash.”]

Question 9

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Answer 9

Names or Other Words Used in Direct Address. [e.g. “Mr. President, may we quote you on that?”]

Question 10

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Answer 10

Yes and No at the Beginning of a Sentence

Question 11

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Answer 11

Mild Interjections. [e.g. “Oh, I think it could use some sauce.”]

Question 12

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Answer 12

Direct Quotations: Generally, use a comma to set off a direct quotation (someone’s exact words) from words that precede, follow, or interrupt it. [e.g. “‘This,’ said Ms. Marple, ‘is the final clue.’”]

Question 13

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Answer 13

Examples Introduced by “such as”, “especially”, “particularly”; Expressions of Contrast. [e.g. “She excelled in many sports, particularly track.”]

Question 14

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Answer 14

Whenever Needed for Clarity: Omitting or misplacing needed commas can change your intended meaning. [e.g. “By leaving Nora Helmer gained freedom.” (unclear who left – Nora Helmer? Or did Mr. Helmer leave Nora? Or was it the case that Nora Helmer gained freedom by leaving?]

Question 15

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Answer 15

In Place of Omitted or Understood Words. [e.g. “Walter was her first husband; Taylor, her second.”]

Question 16

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Answer 16

Before a Confirmatory (Tag) Question: [e.g. “The campus is safe, isn’t it?”]