Comma Usage Quiz

When you see a comma, it usually signifies:

• A pause in a sentence

• The end of a sentence

• A question

• An exclamation

Answer explanation

A comma indicates a pause in a sentence, helping to clarify meaning and separate ideas. It does not signify the end of a sentence, a question, or an exclamation, making 'A pause in a sentence' the correct choice.

We can use commas to separate items in a series. Which of the following is correct?

• Apples oranges and bananas are on my shopping list.

• Apples, oranges, and bananas are on my shopping list.

• Apples oranges, and bananas are on my shopping list.

• Apples, oranges and bananas are on my shopping list.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Apples, oranges, and bananas are on my shopping list.' because it properly uses commas to separate items in a series, including the Oxford comma before 'and' for clarity.

We use commas to separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• The silly, sweet puppy ran through the front yard.

• The silly sweet puppy ran through the front yard.

• The silly and sweet puppy ran through the front yard.

• The silly, sweet, puppy ran through the front yard.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'The silly, sweet puppy ran through the front yard.' because it properly uses a comma to separate the two adjectives 'silly' and 'sweet' that describe the noun 'puppy'.

We use a comma with a conjunction to combine two simple sentences. Combine the sentences correctly:

I am hungry.

It is not time for lunch.

• I am hungry it is not time for lunch.

• I am hungry, but it is not time for lunch.

• I am hungry but it is not time for lunch.

• I am hungry, so it is not time for lunch.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'I am hungry, but it is not time for lunch.' because it uses a comma with the conjunction 'but' to connect two contrasting ideas, making the sentence grammatically correct.

We use commas to set off a direct address. Which sentence uses commas correctly?

Hint: there are 3 correct answers.

• Now, Julia, is a good time to sharpen your pencil.

• Kapindra, please pay attention.

• Shaurya will you answer the next question?

• I am glad you said that, Siya.

Answer explanation

The sentences 'Now, Julia, is a good time to sharpen your pencil.', 'Kapindra, please pay attention.', and 'I am glad you said that, Siya.' correctly use commas to set off direct addresses. 'Shaurya will you answer the next question?' is incorrect.

We use comma to set off an appositive. Which sentences use commas correctly?

Hint: there are 3 correct answers.

• My favorite book, The Hunger Games, is also a movie.

• Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is known for battling Voldemort.

• Many of us are reading The Summer I Turned Pretty, a book that is also a TV show.

• Wonder is a great book and movie!

Answer explanation

The correct sentences use commas to set off appositives: 'The Hunger Games' and 'the boy who lived' provide additional information about the nouns they follow. The third choice also correctly uses commas for clarification.

We use commas after introductory interjections.

Where should a comma be placed in the sentence: "Yes you definitely got the answer correct."

• After "Yes"

• After "you"

• After "definitely"

• After "correct"

Answer explanation

A comma should be placed after "Yes" because it is an introductory interjection. This helps to separate it from the rest of the sentence, improving clarity.

We use commas after transition words/phrases. Which sentence is correct?

• First, let's talk about our homework.

• Later that day the students ran to their busses.

• In the, meantime, many students had tests, and, quizzes.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'First, let's talk about our homework.' because it properly uses a comma after the transition word 'First'. The other sentences either lack necessary commas or have incorrect punctuation.

We use commas after prepositional phrases that come at the beginning of a sentence.

Where should the comma go in this sentence: After the day was over students ran to their busses.

• After, the day was over students ran to their busses.

• After the day, was over students ran to their busses.

• After the day was over, students ran to their busses.

• After the day was over students ran to their busses.

Answer explanation

The correct placement of the comma is after the prepositional phrase 'After the day was over'. This separates it from the main clause, making 'After the day was over, students ran to their busses.' the correct choice.

Which email/letter is formatted correctly?

• Dear Ms. Lewis,

  I charged my iPad today!

  Sincerely,

  Jasper

• Dear, Ms. Lewis

  I charged my iPad today!

  Sincerely,

  Jasper

• Dear Ms. Lewis

  I charged my iPad today!

  Sincerely, Jasper

• Dear Ms. Lewis,

  I charged my iPad today!

  Sincerely

  Jasper

Answer explanation

The correct format includes a comma after 'Dear Ms. Lewis,' and 'Sincerely,' is followed by a comma. This maintains proper etiquette in letter writing, making the first option the only correctly formatted choice.