Non-Restrictive Elements Part 3

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• You are the person—the only person—who was willing to listen.

• You are the person the only person who was willing to listen.

• You are—the person—the only person who was willing to listen.

• You are the person the—only–person who was willing to listen.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is "You are the person—the only person—who was willing to listen." It uses dashes appropriately to set off the phrase "the only person," clarifying the meaning without confusion.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• Ty the pitcher threw a curve ball, and Bo—the batter—missed.

• Ty—the pitcher—threw a curve ball, and Bo the batter missed.

• Ty—the pitcher—threw a curve ball, and Bo—the batter—missed.

• Ty the pitcher threw a curve ball, and Bo the batter missed.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'Ty—the pitcher—threw a curve ball, and Bo—the batter—missed.' because it properly uses dashes to set off appositives, clarifying the roles of Ty and Bo.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• The rapids rushing and raging— intimidated the rafters.

• The rapids—rushing and raging— intimidated the rafters.

• The rapids—rushing and raging intimidated the rafters.

• The rapids rushing and raging intimidated—the rafters.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The rapids—rushing and raging— intimidated the rafters.' because it properly uses dashes to set off the descriptive phrase, enhancing clarity and flow.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• The day was full of surprises nothing went as planned.

• The day—was full of surprises— nothing went as planned.

• —The day was full of surprises— nothing went as planned.

• The day was full of surprises— nothing went as planned.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The day was full of surprises— nothing went as planned.' because it properly uses a dash to separate two independent clauses, enhancing clarity.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• The frogs small—green and slimy-leaped from rock to rock.

• The frogs—small green and slimy—leaped from rock to rock.

• The frogs—small, green—and slimy-leaped from rock to rock.

• The frogs— small, green, and slimy— leaped from rock to rock.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The frogs— small, green, and slimy— leaped from rock to rock.' It properly uses dashes for emphasis and includes correct comma placement in the list of adjectives.