Commas - ACT English

What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?

To separate elements and clarify meaning. Commas prevent confusion by grouping related parts together.
What is the rule for commas with titles and degrees following a name?

Set off nonessential titles with commas: 'Jane Lee, PhD, spoke.'. Titles and degrees are treated as nonessential appositives.
Find the error: 'After dinner we watched a movie.'

After dinner, we watched a movie. Comma needed after the introductory phrase 'After dinner'.
Correct the sentence: 'Bring items such as pencils paper and erasers.'

Bring items such as pencils, paper, and erasers. Commas still needed within the list after 'such as'.
Identify the error: 'It is raining, bring an umbrella.'

Correct: 'It is raining; bring an umbrella.'. A semicolon or period fixes the comma splice error.
Where does the comma go: 'He said however that he was busy.'?

Correct: 'He said, however, that he was busy.'. Interrupting expressions need commas on both sides.
Where should the comma go: 'Yes I agree with you.'?

Correct: 'Yes, I agree with you.'. Introductory words like 'yes' require a comma after them.
Choose the correct punctuation: 'a long ___ exhausting trip' (comma or no comma?)

No comma: 'a long exhausting trip.'. 'Long' describes the type of trip, while 'exhausting' describes the experience.
What is the rule for placing a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses?

Use a comma before $FANBOYS$ when both sides are independent clauses. $FANBOYS$ (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) require commas when joining complete thoughts.
What is the rule for essential information: When should commas NOT be used around a phrase or clause?

Do not set off information needed to identify the noun (essential). Essential information identifies or restricts the noun's meaning.
Find the error: 'The population is 1000000.'

Correct: 'The population is 1,000,000.'. Large numbers need commas to separate thousands groups.
What is the rule for using commas with contrasting elements?

Use a comma to separate contrasting elements in a sentence. Shows opposition or difference between sentence parts.
Identify the error: 'Let's eat grandma.'

Correct: 'Let's eat, grandma.'. Without the comma, this becomes a cannibalistic invitation!
What is the rule for commas with city and state (or country) in an in-sentence location?

Use commas between and after the place names: 'Austin, Texas, ...'. Location names need separation like appositives for clarity.
What is the rule for using commas with interjections?

Use a comma to separate an interjection from the rest of the sentence. Separates exclamatory words from the main sentence content.
Where does the comma go: 'First take a deep breath.'?

Correct: 'First, take a deep breath.'. Introductory sequence words need comma separation.
Find and correct the error: 'The car, that I bought yesterday is already scratched.'

Correct: 'The car that I bought yesterday is already scratched.'. 'That' clauses are essential and don't use commas.
Identify the sentence with correct comma usage: 'My brother who lives in New York is visiting.'

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting. The phrase about New York is extra information needing commas.
Correct the sentence: 'On July 4 1776 independence was declared.'

On July 4, 1776, independence was declared. Both commas needed: after day and after year.
What is the definition of a run-on (fused) sentence related to comma use?

Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or conjunction. This creates confusion when complete thoughts are improperly connected.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'Thanks for your help Maria.'

Correct: 'Thanks for your help, Maria.'. 'Maria' is being directly addressed and needs comma separation.
What is a direct address?

When speaking directly to someone, often using their name. This directly names or calls to a specific person.
What is the rule for using commas with nonessential information?

Use commas to set off nonessential information from the rest of the sentence. Extra information gets set off with commas on both sides.
What is the rule for commas with 'which' clauses on the ACT (general guideline)?

A nonessential 'which' clause is usually set off with commas. 'Which' clauses typically add nonessential information unlike 'that' clauses.
When is a comma used with addresses?

To separate elements of an address or location. Geographic locations need commas between different components.
What is the primary purpose of a comma in a list?

To separate items in a series. This is the fundamental function of commas in lists.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'After the meeting we went to lunch.'

Correct: 'After the meeting, we went to lunch.'. The prepositional phrase 'After the meeting' needs a comma before the main clause.
What rule applies for commas in parenthetical elements?

Use commas to set off parenthetical elements that add information. Extra descriptive information gets set off with commas.
Find the error: 'He lives at 123 Main St Anytown USA.'

Correct: 'He lives at 123 Main St, Anytown, USA.'. Address components need commas to separate city, state, country.
What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives describing the same noun. When adjectives equally modify the noun, separate with commas.
What rule applies for commas with direct quotations?

Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations. Sets off quoted speech from the attribution phrase.
Find the error: 'On July 4 2023, we celebrated.'

Correct: 'On July 4, 2023, we celebrated.'. Missing comma between day and year in the date format.
What is the rule for commas with 'however' when it interrupts a clause?

Set off 'however' with commas when it is a parenthetical interrupter. 'However' as an interrupter needs commas to set it off from the main idea.
Correct the sentence: 'It was a long hot summer.'

It was a long, hot summer. 'Long' and 'hot' equally describe summer, so need separation.
Find the error: 'He said I am not going.'

He said, 'I am not going.'. Comma needed before the quoted speech begins.
What rule applies for commas in letter salutations and closings?

Use a comma after the salutation and closing in a letter. Standard formatting for formal correspondence.
Find the error: 'The cake was sweet moist and delicious.'

Correct: 'The cake was sweet, moist, and delicious.'. Three adjectives in a series need comma separation.
Correct the number: '1000000'

1,000,000. Commas separate groups of three digits from right.
What is the function of commas in letters?

To separate the greeting or closing from the message. Letter formatting requires commas after salutations and closings.
Where does the comma go: 'Without a doubt I agree.'?

Correct: 'Without a doubt, I agree.'. Introductory phrases need comma separation from main clause.
Identify the error: 'I bought apples oranges and bananas.'

Correct: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'. Items in a series need commas to separate them clearly.
What is a serial comma?

Another term for the Oxford comma. Both terms refer to the final comma in a list.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'The solution was not quick but effective.'

Correct: 'The solution was not quick but effective.'. This contrast is clear without comma separation.
What is the rule for using commas with tag questions?

Use a comma to separate a tag question from the rest of the sentence. Sets off the questioning phrase from the main statement.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'The book which won the prize is on the table.'

Correct: 'The book that won the prize is on the table.'. 'That' is preferred for essential clauses; 'which' suggests nonessential information.
Find and correct the list punctuation: 'We bought apples oranges and pears.'

Correct: 'We bought apples, oranges, and pears.'. Commas are needed to separate each item in a series.
What is the rule for commas with a contrasting phrase such as 'not X but Y'?

Use a comma to set off a clear contrast or strong interruption when needed. Contrasting phrases may need commas depending on the emphasis desired.
Identify the correct punctuation: 'My brother ___ who lives in Denver ___ is visiting.'

Use commas only if 'who lives in Denver' is nonessential. Depends on whether you have multiple brothers or just one.
Identify the error: 'The car a red convertible was fast.'

The car, a red convertible, was fast. The appositive phrase needs commas on both sides.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'I will attend too.'

Correct: 'I will attend, too.'. 'Too' is nonessential and needs a comma for proper separation.
What is the purpose of a comma in a compound sentence?

To separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Links two complete thoughts with coordinating conjunctions properly.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'She lives in Portland Oregon and works downtown.'

Correct: 'She lives in Portland, Oregon, and works downtown.'. Commas are needed after 'Portland' and after 'Oregon.'
Identify the error: 'We visited Paris London and Rome.'

We visited Paris, London, and Rome. Each location needs separation with commas.
What is the rule for using commas in addresses?

Use commas to separate elements of an address, such as city and state. Separates geographic elements for clear reading.
What is the rule for commas with interjections and mild interrupters (for example, 'however,' 'yes,')?

Use commas to set off mild interrupters from the rest of the sentence. Interrupters pause the flow and need comma separation for clarity.
Find and correct the comma splice: 'I studied all night, I still felt unprepared.'

Correct: 'I studied all night; I still felt unprepared.'. Use a semicolon instead of a comma to properly join two independent clauses.
What is the rule for commas with nonessential (parenthetical) information?

Set off nonessential information with commas on both sides. Parenthetical information can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.
Identify the error: 'The car that is red is mine.'

No error; the sentence is correct. 'That' introduces a restrictive clause essential to meaning.
Find the error: 'Dear John Yours truly.'

Correct: 'Dear John, Yours truly.'. Missing commas after greeting 'Dear John' and before closing.
When are commas used with contrasting elements?

To separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Commas highlight opposing or different ideas within sentences.
Which option correctly uses commas: 'Yes I can help you now.'?

Yes, I can help you now. Comma needed after introductory word 'Yes'.
Choose the correct punctuation: 'a cold ___ rainy morning' (comma or no comma?)

Use a comma: 'a cold, rainy morning.'. 'Cold' and 'rainy' are equal adjectives that can be reversed.
Where does the comma go: 'John my brother is coming.'?

Correct: 'John, my brother, is coming.'. Appositives that rename nouns need commas around them.
When should commas separate clauses?

When dependent clauses come before independent clauses. Dependent clauses before independent ones need comma separation.
What is a nonrestrictive clause?

A clause that adds extra information and can be removed. These provide extra details that don't limit the noun's meaning.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'Yes I understand your point.'

Correct: 'Yes, I understand your point.'. 'Yes' is an interjection that interrupts and needs a comma.
Find the error: 'You're coming with us aren't you?'

You're coming with us, aren't you. Comma needed before the tag question 'aren't you?'
Find and correct the error: 'The students in the front row, were taking notes.'

Correct: 'The students in the front row were taking notes.'. The comma incorrectly separates the subject from its verb.
Correct the sentence: 'She sings beautifully, and plays the piano.'

She sings beautifully and plays the piano. No comma needed before 'and' when not joining complete thoughts.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'The plan however failed.'

Correct: 'The plan, however, failed.'. 'However' interrupts the flow and needs comma separation.
What is the rule for essential (restrictive) clauses beginning with 'that'?

Do not use commas around an essential 'that' clause. Essential 'that' clauses specify which item and need no commas.
What is an appositive?

A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun. This descriptive phrase provides additional information about the noun.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'Marcus Chen PhD presented the findings.'

Correct: 'Marcus Chen, PhD, presented the findings.'. 'PhD' is a nonessential title that needs comma separation.
Find the error: 'She laughed and he cried.'

No error; the sentence is correct. No comma needed before 'and' joining two simple verbs with same subject.
What is the rule for commas between coordinate adjectives before a noun?

Use a comma if adjectives are equal and can be reversed or separated by 'and.'. Equal adjectives can switch positions: 'cold, rainy' = 'rainy, cold.'
What is the definition of a comma splice on the ACT English test?

Two independent clauses joined by a comma without a conjunction. This creates an improper connection between complete sentences.
What is the Oxford comma?

The final comma in a list before 'and' or 'or.'. This optional comma clarifies meaning in series of three or more.
What is the rule for comma usage with dates?

Use a comma to separate the day from the year in a date. Separates numerical elements in dates for clarity.
Find the error: 'Dear John Yours sincerely.'

Dear John, Yours sincerely,. Both greeting and closing need comma punctuation.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma: 'The weather was cold but sunny.'?

The weather was cold, but sunny. Comma needed before 'but' when joining two complete thoughts.
What punctuation is used to separate items in a list with internal commas?

Use semicolons to separate items in a list with internal commas. Prevents confusion when list items already contain commas.
What is the rule for commas with dates written as 'Month Day, Year'?

Use a comma after the day and after the year if the sentence continues. This format requires commas to separate the date elements clearly.
Identify the error: 'She is a smart talented artist.'

Correct: 'She is a smart, talented artist.'. Two equal adjectives describing the same noun need a comma between.
Identify the error: 'My friend the doctor is here.'

Correct: 'My friend, the doctor, is here.'. Nonessential appositives require commas to set them apart.
When is a comma used before a conjunction?

To join two independent clauses with a conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions need commas when joining complete thoughts.
What is the rule for commas with appositives (noun renamers)?

Use commas around a nonessential appositive; omit commas if essential. Essential appositives identify which person; nonessential ones add extra information.
Where does the comma go: 'However I must disagree.'?

Correct: 'However, I must disagree.'. Transitional words at sentence beginnings need comma separation.
When is a comma used in dates?

To separate the day from the year in a full date. Full dates need commas between day and year components.
Find the error: 'After the storm, the sky cleared.'

No error; the sentence is correct. The comma correctly follows the introductory prepositional phrase.
Fix the error: 'Let's eat Grandma!'

Let's eat, Grandma. Comma prevents the cannibalistic interpretation!
When should a comma not be used between adjectives?

When adjectives are cumulative and cannot be reordered. Cumulative adjectives build upon each other in a specific order.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'On July 4 1776 the document was signed.'

Correct: 'On July 4, 1776, the document was signed.'. Commas are needed after the day number and after the year.
What is the rule for separating items in a series of three or more elements?

Use commas between items in a list; optional before the final 'and.'. The Oxford comma before 'and' is optional but often preferred for clarity.
What is the rule for avoiding a comma between a subject and its verb?

Do not place a comma between the subject and the verb. This separation would incorrectly break the basic sentence structure.
What is the rule for using commas with 'such as' and 'including'?

Do not use a comma immediately before 'such as' or 'including'. These phrases introduce examples without needing commas before them.
What is the rule for commas with 'too' and 'as well' at the end of a sentence?

Use a comma before 'too' or 'as well' when it is nonessential. 'Too' and 'as well' often function as nonessential additions.
Find and correct the punctuation: 'Paris the capital of France attracts tourists.'

Correct: 'Paris, the capital of France, attracts tourists.'. 'The capital of France' is extra information about Paris.
What is a comma splice?

The incorrect use of a comma to join two independent clauses. This creates a run-on sentence that needs proper punctuation instead.
What is the rule for commas in dialogue?

Use commas to separate dialogue tags from quotations. Dialogue tags like 'she said' need comma separation from quotes.
What is the rule for using commas with numbers?

Use commas to separate thousands, millions, etc., in large numbers. Makes large numbers easier to read and understand.
What is the rule for using a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause?

Place a comma after an introductory element before the main clause. Introductory elements need separation from the main clause for clarity.
Identify the comma splice: 'She loves reading, she often visits the library.'

Comma splice present: two independent clauses joined by a comma. Two complete thoughts incorrectly joined by just a comma.
What is the rule for commas with a direct address (naming the person spoken to)?

Set off a name or title used in direct address with commas. Names in direct address are set off to show who is being spoken to.
When is a comma used after an introductory phrase?

To separate the phrase from the main clause. Introductory phrases create a natural pause before the main idea.
Find and correct the error: 'I wanted to go but I was too tired.'

Correct: 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.'. A comma is needed before 'but' when joining two independent clauses.
Identify the error: 'If you leave, call me.'

No error; the sentence is correct. The conditional clause correctly has a comma after it.
When should you use a comma in direct address?

Use a comma when addressing someone directly by name or title in a sentence. Sets off the person being spoken to from the message.
When is a comma used in numbers?

To separate thousands in large numbers. Numbers over 999 use commas every three digits from right.
Identify the error: 'Send the package to 123 Main Street New York NY 10001.'

Send the package to 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001. Commas needed after street, city, and state.
Identify the error: 'We visited London Paris and Rome.'

Correct: 'We visited London, Paris, and Rome.'. Three or more items in a list require comma separation.
Identify the correct punctuation: 'I wanted to go, ___ I was too tired.' (Choose: and / but)

Use 'but' with the comma: 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.'. 'But' shows contrast between wanting to go and being too tired.
What is the rule for using commas in introductory elements?

Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses. Helps clarify sentence structure by setting off opening elements.
Identify the error: 'She said 'hello.''

Correct: 'She said, 'hello.''. Missing comma before the opening quotation mark.
Identify the error: 'She was not angry she was just disappointed.'

She was not angry; she was just disappointed. Two complete thoughts need stronger punctuation than a comma.
Which option correctly punctuates an introductory dependent clause: 'Although it rained ___ we hiked.'?

Use a comma: 'Although it rained, we hiked.'. Dependent clauses starting sentences require commas before the main clause.
What rule is applied when using a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses. Applies when joining two complete thoughts with FANBOYS words.

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