Comma Meaning
/ˈkɒmə/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe punctuation mark ⟨,⟩ used to indicate a set of parts of a sentence or between elements of a list.
nounA similar-looking subscript diacritical mark.
Sentence Examples
In another paragraph, he put in a comma.
He looked at me with consternation, saying that he must put a comma somewhere.
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Remember to place a ____ between items in a list to avoid confusion.
Word Origin & History
From Latin comma, from Ancient Greek κόμμα (kómma), from κόπτω (kóptō, “to cut”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Commas (Polygonia comma) and Question Marks (Polygonia interrogationis) occur from the Gulf Coast to Canada and west to the Rockies. [...] Question Marks and Commas are handsome butterflies with burnt orange and black markings. [...] On the underside of each hind wing of the Comma is a small, distinctive silver hook that resembles a comma."
— 2004, Scott Shalaway, “Close-ups”, in Butterflies in the Backyard, Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Stackpole Books, →ISBN, page 18:
"Other members of this genus that are frequently encountered in the park are the eastern comma (P. comma) and question mark (P. interrogationis)."
— 2013, Ann Simpson, Rob Simpson, “Butterflies and Moths”, in Nature Guide to Shenandoah National Park (Falcon Pocket Guide), Guilford, Conn.; Helena, Mont.: Falcon Guides, Globe Pequot Press, →ISBN, page 91:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Remember to place a ____ between items in a list to avoid confusion.