How are commas used in a sentence?

The use of commas in a sentence is multifaceted, and one of the primary functions is to join independent clauses or to divide items in a list. When two independent clauses are combined with a conjunction (like "and," "but," or "or"), a comma is placed before the conjunction. This helps to clarify the relationship between the clauses and prevent confusion. Additionally, commas are essential in separating elements in a list, ensuring that each item is distinct. For example, in the list "apples, oranges, and bananas," commas clearly differentiate each fruit.

While the other choices touch upon certain aspects of comma usage, they either represent limited functions or misinterpret the role of commas. Understanding the versatility of commas for both combining clauses and organizing lists is crucial for clear and effective writing.