Comma Rules

What comma rule is being use in this sentence?

The guy standing by the door, Mr. Brown, is the hall monitor.

• Appositive

• Introductory Phrase

• Series

• Parenthetical Phrase

Answer explanation

It is an appositive, because we are "renaming" the "guy" with his specific name, Mr. Brown.

After the bell rings, you need to start your warm up.

• Appositive

• Non-restrictive Clause

• Introductory phrase

• Direct Address

Answer explanation

It is an introductory phrase, because "after the game" is a dependent clause at the beginning of the sentence that introduces the rest of the sentence!

I asked for new shoes, a phone, and make up for my birthday.

• Non restrictive Clause

• Series

• Appositive

• Introductory Phrase

Answer explanation

This is a series, because it is a list of items with a comma between each item.

The desk, which has been in the same spot all year, has gum under the seat.

• Introductory Clause

• Non-restrictive Clause

• Series

• Parenthetical Phrase

Answer explanation

This is a non-restrictive clause, because "which has been in the same spot all year" is describing the desk.

Skipping your homework, for example, is one of the bad habits that can stop you from doing well in school.

• Compound Sentence

• Introductory Phrase

• Parenthetical Expression

• Direct Address

Answer explanation

"For example" is a parenthetical expression, because it is a figure of speech that doesn't add new information or data to the sentence.

Shalissa, will you hand me that water?

• Series

• Parenthetical Expression

• Compound Sentence

• Direct Address

Answer explanation

This is direct address, because you are calling someone directly by name, and putting a comma/pause after their name!

I have to wipe down all the desks, but I don't mind doing it.

• Introductory Phrase

• Compound Sentence

• Series

• Parenthetical Expression

Answer explanation

This is using a comma to write a compound sentence, because you are connecting "I have to wipe down all the desks" (independent clause) and "I don't mind doing it" (independent) by using a comma and a conjunction (but).