Lesson:Commas in Sentences to Set Off Parenthetical Expressions

What are parenthetical expressions?

• Remarks that add information or show a relationship between ideas.

• Main clauses in a sentence.

• Words that describe nouns.

• Phrases that end a sentence.

What punctuation is used to set off parenthetical expressions?

• Periods

• Semicolons

• Commas

• Colons

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a parenthetical expression?

• Charlie’s parents were of course deeply disappointed with his English grade.

• Charlie’s parents were, of course, deeply disappointed with his English grade.

• Charlie’s parents were of course, deeply disappointed with his English grade.

• Charlie’s parents were, of course deeply disappointed with his English grade.

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used parenthetical expression?

• After all

• Generally speaking

• Of course

• Because

Which of the following parenthetical expressions can be used to show contrast?

• On the contrary

• For example

• Generally speaking

• After all

Which of the following sentences does NOT use a parenthetical expression?

• In my opinion, English is the most important subject.

• I think Rachel volunteers at the food bank.

• Rachel, I think, volunteers at the food bank.

• Charlie’s parents were, of course, deeply disappointed with his English grade.

Which of the following is an example of a parenthetical expression?

• I suppose

• Running fast

• Very tall

• Quickly

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to set off a parenthetical expression?

• I believe hope, think, she will come.

• I believe, hope, think she will come.

• I believe, hope, think, she will come.

• I believe hope think, she will come.

Which of the following parenthetical expressions can be used to give an example?

• For instance

• On the other hand

• Nevertheless

• Generally speaking

Which of the following is true about parenthetical expressions?

• They are always necessary for the sentence to make sense.

• They are never necessary for the sentence to make sense.

• They add extra information or show a relationship between ideas.

• They are used to end a sentence.