Understanding Commas w/ Me ;)

Correct the sentence by adding commas where necessary:
I need to buy apples oranges bananas and grapes.

• I need to buy apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.

• I need to buy apples, oranges, bananas and grapes.

• I need to buy, apples oranges, bananas and grapes.

• I need to buy apples oranges, bananas, and grapes.

Answer explanation

Commas are used to separate items in a list. The correct answer uses the serial (Oxford) comma before the last item.

Correct the sentence by adding commas where necessary:

The book which was published last year is already a bestseller.

• The book which was, published last year, is already a bestseller.

• The book, which was published last year is already a bestseller.

• The book, which was published last year, is already a bestseller.

• The book which was published last year, is already a bestseller.

Answer explanation

Non-essential clauses should be set off with commas. The clause "which was published last year" is additional information, so it is set off with commas.

Correct the sentence by adding commas where necessary:

Because it was raining we decided to stay indoors.

• Because it was raining we, decided to stay indoors.

• Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.

• Because it was, raining we decided to stay indoors.

• Because it was raining we decided, to stay indoors.

Answer explanation

When a dependent clause (like "Because it was raining") starts a sentence, it should be followed by a comma.

When should a comma be used in a list of items?

• Only if the list contains more than four items

• Between all items in the list

• Only at the end of the list

• Between the first two items only

Answer explanation

Commas should be used to separate all items in a list to ensure clarity.

In which situation is a comma used to separate clauses?

• When the clauses are independent and connected by conjunctions like "and", "but", or "or"

• Only when the clauses are dependent

• At the end of a sentence

• Never

Answer explanation

Commas are used to separate independent clauses when they are joined by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or).

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas?

• My favorite colors are blue, green and, red.

• Before we leave, make sure you have your ticket.

• The meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 5, 2024 at 10 am.

• She enjoys reading, painting and to dance.

Answer explanation

A comma is needed after an introductory phrase or clause. The other sentences either misuse the comma or omit it where it is needed.

Select all sentences that correctly use commas:

• He enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

• Although it was late we kept working.

• She bought apples oranges bananas, and grapes.

• We visited Paris, Rome, and Berlin last summer.

• The cat, which was very old, slept all day.

Answer explanation

Sentences A, D, and E correctly use commas. Sentence A uses commas to separate items in a list. Sentence D also uses commas to separate items in a list. Sentence E uses commas to set off a non-essential clause. Sentence B needs a comma after "late" as it is an introductory clause. Sentence C incorrectly places a comma before "and grapes" without using it earlier in the list.