Commas & Comma Splices

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to separate items in a series?

• I packed a sandwich, chips, and an apple.

• I packed a sandwich chips and an apple.

• I packed a sandwich, chips and an apple.

• I packed a sandwich chips, and an apple.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma after an introductory phrase?

• After the storm the streets were flooded.

• After the storm, the streets were flooded.

• The streets were flooded after the storm.

• After the storm the, streets were flooded.

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blank: Use commas to set off information that can be removed without changing the sentence’s main ___.

• meaning
• subject

• sentence

• verb

Multiple Choice

Select the sentence that correctly uses commas to set off nonessential information.

• My brother who lives in Denver is visiting.

• My brother, who lives in Denver, is visiting.

• My brother who lives in Denver, is visiting.

• My brother, who lives in Denver is visiting.

Multiple Choice

When is a comma not used between adjectives?

• When the adjectives describe different qualities.
• When the adjectives form a single idea.

• When the adjectives are equal in importance.
• When the adjectives are contrasting.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences uses coordinate adjectives correctly?

• It was a long exhausting journey.

• It was a long, exhausting journey.

• It was a long and exhausting journey.

• It was a exhausting, long journey.

Multiple Choice

Which comma rule applies to the sentence: 'Lisa, could you help me, please?'

• Commas with coordinate adjectives

• Commas with direct address and tag questions

• Commas with dates, addresses, and titles

• Commas before coordinating conjunctions

Multiple Choice

Select all sentences that correctly use commas with dates, addresses, or titles.

• Martin Luther King Jr. spoke.

• She was born on March 3, 2004, in Austin, Texas.

• Seattle Washington is a big city.

• July 4 1776 was an important date.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses?

• He wanted to go, but it started raining.

• He wanted to go, it started raining.

• He wanted to go; it started raining.

• He wanted to go and it started raining.

Multiple Choice

Why is a comma splice considered incorrect in joining two independent clauses.

• A comma splice is incorrect because it improperly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
• A comma splice is acceptable when the clauses are short and related.
• A comma splice is incorrect as it uses a semicolon instead of a conjunction.
• A comma splice is correct because it effectively combines two independent clauses.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are valid methods to fix a comma splice?

• Using a period to separate sentences

• Using a semicolon

• Using a comma and coordinating conjunction

• Using subordination

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma after an introductory element?

• Before dawn the runners left the gym.

• Before dawn, the runners left the gym.

• The runners left the gym before dawn.

• Before, dawn the runners left the gym.

Multiple Select

Select all common comma mistakes listed in the lesson.

• Using a comma where a period or semicolon is needed

• Overusing commas in essential phrases

• Forgetting commas after introductory elements

• Misplacing commas in dates/addresses and with direct address

Multiple Select

Which sentence correctly fixes the comma splice: 'The dog barked, the baby woke up.'?

• The dog barked, and the baby woke up.

• The dog barked. The baby woke up.

• The dog barked; the baby woke up.

• The dog barked, the baby woke up.