Comma Rules Quiz

Which of the following best describes Comma Rule #1 (Introductory Elements)?

• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.

• Use a comma to separate introductory words, phrases, or clauses from the main sentence.

• Use a comma before and after non-essential information.

• Use a comma before the last item in a list.

Which of the following best describes Comma Rule #2 (Interrupting the Subject and Verb)?

• Never place a comma between the subject and verb unless an interrupting phrase is enclosed in commas.

• Always use commas between the subject and verb in a long sentence.

• Use a comma only if the sentence is too long to understand.

• Avoid using commas when inserting extra information into a sentence.

What is the primary function of the serial comma (Comma Rule #3)?

• It separates two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

• It is used before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.

• It separates three or more items in a list to improve clarity.

• It introduces a list or explanation.

Which of the following best describes Comma Rule #4 (Joining Clauses)?

• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.

• Always use a comma before 'and' in any sentence.

• Use commas to separate phrases within a sentence but not independent clauses.

• A comma should be used only when a sentence feels too long.

What is the purpose of Comma Rule #5 (Non-Essential Elements and Shifts in Thought)?

• To separate a non-essential phrase or clause from the rest of the sentence.

• To connect two closely related sentences.

• To indicate a pause in speech but not in writing.

• To replace a period in a long sentence.

Which of these sentences uses commas correctly?

• However we need to finish the project on time.

• However, we need to finish the project on time.

• We need to finish the project on time, however.

• We need to finish, the project on time however.

Which of these sentences uses commas correctly?

• The bridge, which was built in 1902 was recently renovated.

• The bridge which was built in 1902, was recently renovated.

• The bridge, which was built in 1902, was recently renovated.

• The bridge which, was built in 1902 was recently renovated.

Which of these sentences uses commas correctly?

• The project requires input from engineers, designers and managers.

• The project requires input from engineers designers and managers.

• The project requires input from engineers, designers, and managers.

• The project requires, input from engineers designers, and managers.

Which of these sentences uses commas correctly?

• We planned to finish early, but we ran into unexpected delays.

• We planned to finish early but, we ran into unexpected delays.

• We planned, to finish early but we ran into unexpected delays.

• We planned to finish early but we ran, into unexpected delays.

Which of these sentences uses commas correctly?

• The final decision, however is still pending.

• The final decision, however, is still pending.

• The final decision however, is still pending.

• The final decision however is, still pending.