Introductory elements commas

I will call you __________ I get home.

When is a time that you should delete a comma? (just select TWO of the rules that we learned from Lesson 2)

• When the comma disrupts correct sentence structure

• When the comma confuses meaning

• When there are two conjunctions

• When there are items in a series

*Use a comma after certain introductory elements.

In a church in the center of a small town in Mexico my parents were married.

• NO CHANGE

• In a church, in the center of a small town, in Mexico, my parents were married.

• In a church, in the center of a small town in Mexico my parents were married.

• In a church in the center of a small town in Mexico, my parents were married.

The SAT requires the use of the Oxford comma.

• True

• False

While a dash can oftentimes replace a colon, a colon cannot always take the place of a dash.

• True

• False

*Use commas to set off nonessential subordinate clauses and nonessential participial phrases.

nonessential-not necessary to the basic meaning of the sentence

essential-cannot be left out without changing the basic meaning of the sentence

Uncle Ralph who is my mother's brother just bought a bowling alley.

• NO CHANGE

• Uncle Ralph, who is my mother's brother just bought a bowling alley.

• Uncle Ralph, who is my mother's brother, just bought a bowling alley.

• Uncle Ralph who is my mother's brother, just bought a bowling alley.

Which type of clause can stand on its own?

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

*Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.

The ingredients for vegetarian chili include for instance green peppers, beans, and tomato sauce.

• NO CHANGE

• The ingredients for vegetarian chili include, for instance, green peppers, beans, and tomato sauce.

• The ingredients for vegetarian chili include for instance, green peppers, beans, and tomato sauce.

• The ingredients for vegetarian chili include for instance green, peppers, beans, and tomato sauce.

*Use commas to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun.

Mark threw a long wobbly pass to the halfback.

• NO CHANGE

• Mark threw a long wobbly pass, to the halfback.

• Mark threw a long, wobbly pass to the halfback.

• Mark, threw a long wobbly pass, to the halfback.

Use commas to indicate restrictive (essential) elements.

• True

• False