ACT English Flashcards: Commas

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Commas, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for ACT English.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?

Answer: To separate elements and clarify meaning. Commas prevent confusion by grouping related parts together.

Flashcard 2: What is the rule for commas with titles and degrees following a name?

Answer: Set off nonessential titles with commas: 'Jane Lee, PhD, spoke.'. Titles and degrees are treated as nonessential appositives.

Flashcard 3: Find the error: 'He lives at 123 Main St Anytown USA.'

Answer: Correct: 'He lives at 123 Main St, Anytown, USA.'. Address components need commas to separate city, state, country.

Flashcard 4: Identify the sentence with correct comma usage: 'My brother who lives in New York is visiting.'

Answer: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting. The phrase about New York is extra information needing commas.

Flashcard 5: Find the error: 'She laughed and he cried.'

Answer: No error; the sentence is correct. No comma needed before 'and' joining two simple verbs with same subject.

Flashcard 6: Find the error: 'After dinner we watched a movie.'

Answer: After dinner, we watched a movie. Comma needed after the introductory phrase 'After dinner'.

Flashcard 7: Correct the sentence: 'Bring items such as pencils paper and erasers.'

Answer: Bring items such as pencils, paper, and erasers. Commas still needed within the list after 'such as'.

Flashcard 8: Identify the error: 'It is raining, bring an umbrella.'

Answer: Correct: 'It is raining; bring an umbrella.'. A semicolon or period fixes the comma splice error.

Flashcard 9: Identify the error: 'It is raining, bring an umbrella.'

Answer: Correct: 'It is raining; bring an umbrella.'. A semicolon or period fixes the comma splice error.

Flashcard 10: Find the error: 'Dear John Yours sincerely.'

Answer: Dear John, Yours sincerely,. Both greeting and closing need comma punctuation.

Flashcard 11: Where does the comma go: 'He said however that he was busy.'?

Answer: Correct: 'He said, however, that he was busy.'. Interrupting expressions need commas on both sides.

Flashcard 12: Where should the comma go: 'Yes I agree with you.'?

Answer: Correct: 'Yes, I agree with you.'. Introductory words like 'yes' require a comma after them.

Flashcard 13: Choose the correct punctuation: 'a long   exhausting trip' (comma or no comma?)

Answer: No comma: 'a long exhausting trip.'. 'Long' describes the type of trip, while 'exhausting' describes the experience.

Flashcard 14: Where does the comma go: 'Without a doubt I agree.'?

Answer: Correct: 'Without a doubt, I agree.'. Introductory phrases need comma separation from main clause.

Flashcard 15: What is the rule for placing a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses?

Answer: 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.

Flashcard 16: What is the rule for essential information: When should commas NOT be used around a phrase or clause?

Answer: Do not set off information needed to identify the noun (essential). Essential information identifies or restricts the noun's meaning.

Flashcard 17: Correct the sentence: 'She sings beautifully, and plays the piano.'

Answer: She sings beautifully and plays the piano. No comma needed before 'and' when not joining complete thoughts.

Flashcard 18: Find the error: 'The population is 1000000.'

Answer: Correct: 'The population is 1,000,000.'. Large numbers need commas to separate thousands groups.

Flashcard 19: What is the rule for using commas with contrasting elements?

Answer: Use a comma to separate contrasting elements in a sentence. Shows opposition or difference between sentence parts.

Flashcard 20: Correct the sentence: 'On July 4 1776 independence was declared.'

Answer: On July 4, 1776, independence was declared. Both commas needed: after day and after year.

Flashcard 21: Identify the error: 'Let's eat grandma.'

Answer: Correct: 'Let's eat, grandma.'. Without the comma, this becomes a cannibalistic invitation!

Flashcard 22: What is the rule for commas with city and state (or country) in an in-sentence location?

Answer: Use commas between and after the place names: 'Austin, Texas, ...'. Location names need separation like appositives for clarity.

Flashcard 23: What is the rule for using commas with interjections?

Answer: Use a comma to separate an interjection from the rest of the sentence. Separates exclamatory words from the main sentence content.

Flashcard 24: What is the rule for using commas with interjections?

Answer: Use a comma to separate an interjection from the rest of the sentence. Separates exclamatory words from the main sentence content.

Flashcard 25: What is a serial comma?

Answer: Another term for the Oxford comma. Both terms refer to the final comma in a list.

Flashcard 26: When are commas used with contrasting elements?

Answer: To separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Commas highlight opposing or different ideas within sentences.

Flashcard 27: Identify the error: 'Send the package to 123 Main Street New York NY 10001.'

Answer: Send the package to 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001. Commas needed after street, city, and state.

Flashcard 28: Identify the error: 'We visited London Paris and Rome.'

Answer: Correct: 'We visited London, Paris, and Rome.'. Three or more items in a list require comma separation.

Flashcard 29: What is the function of commas in letters?

Answer: To separate the greeting or closing from the message. Letter formatting requires commas after salutations and closings.

Flashcard 30: Identify the error: 'I bought apples oranges and bananas.'

Answer: Correct: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'. Items in a series need commas to separate them clearly.

Flashcard 31: Where does the comma go: 'First take a deep breath.'?

Answer: Correct: 'First, take a deep breath.'. Introductory sequence words need comma separation.

Flashcard 32: Find and correct the error: 'The car, that I bought yesterday is already scratched.'

Answer: Correct: 'The car that I bought yesterday is already scratched.'. 'That' clauses are essential and don't use commas.

Flashcard 33: What is a comma splice?

Answer: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma. A common error that creates run-on sentences.

Flashcard 34: Identify the sentence with correct comma usage: 'My brother who lives in New York is visiting.'

Answer: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting. The phrase about New York is extra information needing commas.

Flashcard 35: What is the Oxford comma?

Answer: The final comma in a list before 'and' or 'or.'. This optional comma clarifies meaning in series of three or more.

Flashcard 36: What punctuation is used to separate items in a list with internal commas?

Answer: Use semicolons to separate items in a list with internal commas. Prevents confusion when list items already contain commas.

Flashcard 37: Correct the sentence: 'On July 4 1776 independence was declared.'

Answer: On July 4, 1776, independence was declared. Both commas needed: after day and after year.

Flashcard 38: When is a comma used in numbers?

Answer: To separate thousands in large numbers. Numbers over 999 use commas every three digits from right.

Flashcard 39: Choose the correct punctuation: 'a long   exhausting trip' (comma or no comma?)

Answer: No comma: 'a long exhausting trip.'. 'Long' describes the type of trip, while 'exhausting' describes the experience.

Flashcard 40: What is the definition of a run-on (fused) sentence related to comma use?

Answer: Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or conjunction. This creates confusion when complete thoughts are improperly connected.

Flashcard 41: What is the rule for comma usage with dates?

Answer: Use a comma to separate the day from the year in a date. Separates numerical elements in dates for clarity.

Flashcard 42: Find and correct the punctuation: 'Thanks for your help Maria.'

Answer: Correct: 'Thanks for your help, Maria.'. 'Maria' is being directly addressed and needs comma separation.

Flashcard 43: What is a direct address?

Answer: When speaking directly to someone, often using their name. This directly names or calls to a specific person.

Flashcard 44: Find and correct the punctuation: 'The plan however failed.'

Answer: Correct: 'The plan, however, failed.'. 'However' interrupts the flow and needs comma separation.

Flashcard 45: What is the rule for using commas with nonessential information?

Answer: Use commas to set off nonessential information from the rest of the sentence. Extra information gets set off with commas on both sides.

Flashcard 46: What is the rule for commas with 'which' clauses on the ACT (general guideline)?

Answer: A nonessential 'which' clause is usually set off with commas. 'Which' clauses typically add nonessential information unlike 'that' clauses.

Flashcard 47: When is a comma used with addresses?

Answer: To separate elements of an address or location. Geographic locations need commas between different components.

Flashcard 48: Identify the error: 'She was not angry she was just disappointed.'

Answer: She was not angry; she was just disappointed. Two complete thoughts need stronger punctuation than a comma.

Flashcard 49: What is the primary purpose of a comma in a list?

Answer: To separate items in a series. This is the fundamental function of commas in lists.

Flashcard 50: Find and correct the punctuation: 'After the meeting we went to lunch.'

Answer: Correct: 'After the meeting, we went to lunch.'. The prepositional phrase 'After the meeting' needs a comma before the main clause.

Flashcard 51: What rule applies for commas in parenthetical elements?

Answer: Use commas to set off parenthetical elements that add information. Extra descriptive information gets set off with commas.

Flashcard 52: Find and correct the punctuation: 'Paris the capital of France attracts tourists.'

Answer: Correct: 'Paris, the capital of France, attracts tourists.'. 'The capital of France' is extra information about Paris.

Flashcard 53: When should you use a comma in direct address?

Answer: Use a comma when addressing someone directly by name or title in a sentence. Sets off the person being spoken to from the message.

Flashcard 54: Fix the error: 'Let's eat Grandma!'

Answer: Let's eat, Grandma. Comma prevents the cannibalistic interpretation!

Flashcard 55: Find the error: 'He lives at 123 Main St Anytown USA.'

Answer: Correct: 'He lives at 123 Main St, Anytown, USA.'. Address components need commas to separate city, state, country.

Flashcard 56: What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Answer: Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives describing the same noun. When adjectives equally modify the noun, separate with commas.

Flashcard 57: What rule applies for commas with direct quotations?

Answer: Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations. Sets off quoted speech from the attribution phrase.

Flashcard 58: Find and correct the punctuation: 'I will attend too.'

Answer: Correct: 'I will attend, too.'. 'Too' is nonessential and needs a comma for proper separation.

Flashcard 59: What is the rule for commas with titles and degrees following a name?

Answer: Set off nonessential titles with commas: 'Jane Lee, PhD, spoke.'. Titles and degrees are treated as nonessential appositives.

Flashcard 60: Identify the correct punctuation: 'My brother   who lives in Denver   is visiting.'

Answer: Use commas only if 'who lives in Denver' is nonessential. Depends on whether you have multiple brothers or just one.

Flashcard 61: Find the error: 'On July 4 2023, we celebrated.'

Answer: Correct: 'On July 4, 2023, we celebrated.'. Missing comma between day and year in the date format.

Flashcard 62: What is the rule for commas with 'however' when it interrupts a clause?

Answer: 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.

Flashcard 63: Correct the sentence: 'It was a long hot summer.'

Answer: It was a long, hot summer. 'Long' and 'hot' equally describe summer, so need separation.

Flashcard 64: Find the error: 'He said I am not going.'

Answer: He said, 'I am not going.'. Comma needed before the quoted speech begins.

Flashcard 65: Find the error: 'You're coming with us aren't you?'

Answer: You're coming with us, aren't you. Comma needed before the tag question 'aren't you?'

Flashcard 66: What is the rule for using commas with tag questions?

Answer: Use a comma to separate a tag question from the rest of the sentence. Sets off the questioning phrase from the main statement.

Flashcard 67: What rule applies for commas in letter salutations and closings?

Answer: Use a comma after the salutation and closing in a letter. Standard formatting for formal correspondence.

Flashcard 68: Find the error: 'The cake was sweet moist and delicious.'

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

Flashcard 69: What is the rule for using commas with 'such as' and 'including'?

Answer: Do not use a comma immediately before 'such as' or 'including'. These phrases introduce examples without needing commas before them.

Flashcard 70: Correct the number: '1000000'

Answer: 1,000,000. Commas separate groups of three digits from right.

Flashcard 71: What is the function of commas in letters?

Answer: To separate the greeting or closing from the message. Letter formatting requires commas after salutations and closings.

Flashcard 72: Where does the comma go: 'Without a doubt I agree.'?

Answer: Correct: 'Without a doubt, I agree.'. Introductory phrases need comma separation from main clause.

Flashcard 73: Identify the error: 'My friend the doctor is here.'

Answer: Correct: 'My friend, the doctor, is here.'. Nonessential appositives require commas to set them apart.

Flashcard 74: Find and correct the list punctuation: 'We bought apples oranges and pears.'

Answer: Correct: 'We bought apples, oranges, and pears.'. Commas are needed to separate each item in a series.

Flashcard 75: Find the error: 'On July 4 2023, we celebrated.'

Answer: Correct: 'On July 4, 2023, we celebrated.'. Missing comma between day and year in the date format.

Flashcard 76: Find the error: 'The population is 1000000.'

Answer: Correct: 'The population is 1,000,000.'. Large numbers need commas to separate thousands groups.

Flashcard 77: When should a comma not be used between adjectives?

Answer: When adjectives are cumulative and cannot be reordered. Cumulative adjectives build upon each other in a specific order.

Flashcard 78: When is a comma used in dates?

Answer: To separate the day from the year in a full date. Full dates need commas between day and year components.

Flashcard 79: What is the rule for using commas in introductory elements?

Answer: Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses. Helps clarify sentence structure by setting off opening elements.

Flashcard 80: When is a comma used before a conjunction?

Answer: To join two independent clauses with a conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions need commas when joining complete thoughts.

Flashcard 81: What is a comma splice?

Answer: The incorrect use of a comma to join two independent clauses. This creates a run-on sentence that needs proper punctuation instead.

Flashcard 82: Identify the error: 'I bought apples oranges and bananas.'

Answer: Correct: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'. Items in a series need commas to separate them clearly.

Flashcard 83: What is a serial comma?

Answer: Another term for the Oxford comma. Both terms refer to the final comma in a list.

Flashcard 84: Choose the correct punctuation: 'a cold   rainy morning' (comma or no comma?)

Answer: Use a comma: 'a cold, rainy morning.'. 'Cold' and 'rainy' are equal adjectives that can be reversed.

Flashcard 85: Find and correct the punctuation: 'The book which won the prize is on the table.'

Answer: Correct: 'The book that won the prize is on the table.'. 'That' is preferred for essential clauses; 'which' suggests nonessential information.

Flashcard 86: Find and correct the punctuation: 'The solution was not quick but effective.'

Answer: Correct: 'The solution was not quick but effective.'. This contrast is clear without comma separation.

Flashcard 87: What is the rule for commas with 'too' and 'as well' at the end of a sentence?

Answer: Use a comma before 'too' or 'as well' when it is nonessential. 'Too' and 'as well' often function as nonessential additions.

Flashcard 88: What is the rule for using commas with tag questions?

Answer: Use a comma to separate a tag question from the rest of the sentence. Sets off the questioning phrase from the main statement.

Flashcard 89: What is a nonrestrictive clause?

Answer: A clause that adds extra information and can be removed. These provide extra details that don't limit the noun's meaning.

Flashcard 90: Find and correct the punctuation: 'On July 4 1776 the document was signed.'

Answer: Correct: 'On July 4, 1776, the document was signed.'. Commas are needed after the day number and after the year.

Flashcard 91: Find and correct the punctuation: 'The book which won the prize is on the table.'

Answer: Correct: 'The book that won the prize is on the table.'. 'That' is preferred for essential clauses; 'which' suggests nonessential information.

Flashcard 92: Find and correct the list punctuation: 'We bought apples oranges and pears.'

Answer: Correct: 'We bought apples, oranges, and pears.'. Commas are needed to separate each item in a series.

Flashcard 93: What is the rule for commas with a contrasting phrase such as 'not X but Y'?

Answer: Use a comma to set off a clear contrast or strong interruption when needed. Contrasting phrases may need commas depending on the emphasis desired.

Flashcard 94: Identify the error: 'Let's eat grandma.'

Answer: Correct: 'Let's eat, grandma.'. Without the comma, this becomes a cannibalistic invitation!

Flashcard 95: Identify the correct punctuation: 'My brother   who lives in Denver   is visiting.'

Answer: Use commas only if 'who lives in Denver' is nonessential. Depends on whether you have multiple brothers or just one.

Flashcard 96: Identify the error: 'The car a red convertible was fast.'

Answer: The car, a red convertible, was fast. The appositive phrase needs commas on both sides.

Flashcard 97: What is the rule for commas with a contrasting phrase such as 'not X but Y'?

Answer: Use a comma to set off a clear contrast or strong interruption when needed. Contrasting phrases may need commas depending on the emphasis desired.

Flashcard 98: Find and correct the punctuation: 'I will attend too.'

Answer: Correct: 'I will attend, too.'. 'Too' is nonessential and needs a comma for proper separation.

Flashcard 99: What is the purpose of a comma in a compound sentence?

Answer: To separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Links two complete thoughts with coordinating conjunctions properly.

Flashcard 100: Find and correct the punctuation: 'She lives in Portland Oregon and works downtown.'

Answer: Correct: 'She lives in Portland, Oregon, and works downtown.'. Commas are needed after 'Portland' and after 'Oregon.'