Comma Quiz

What punctuation mark should we use to make the given sentence more clear? The four rocky planets in our solar system are Mercury Venus Earth and Mars.

• Comma

• Semicolon

• Colon

• Period

Answer explanation

A comma is needed to separate the items in the list of rocky planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. This punctuation clarifies that these are distinct entities, improving the sentence's readability.

Using commas to separate items in a sentence list is done by placing a comma after each item except the last one (with an optional comma before the final conjunction).

• Place a comma after each item except the last one.

• Place a comma after the last item every time.

• Do not use any commas.

• Use semicolons instead.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is to place a comma after each item except the last one. This rule helps clarify the list's structure, making it easier to read and understand.

Using a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause: place a comma after the dependent clause if it comes before the independent clause.

• Place a comma after the dependent clause if it comes before the independent clause

• Place a comma after the independent clause if it comes before the dependent clause

• Do not use any comma to separate them

• Place a comma both before and after the dependent clause

Answer explanation

The correct choice is to place a comma after the dependent clause if it comes before the independent clause. This rule helps clarify the sentence structure and improves readability.

The correct use of commas in dialogue is to separate speech from dialogue tags.

• They separate dialogue tags from spoken words.

• They indicate pauses in speech.

• They denote the end of dialogue.

• They are optional punctuation.

Answer explanation

The correct use of commas in dialogue is to separate dialogue tags from spoken words, ensuring clarity in who is speaking. This makes the first answer choice the correct one.

Why are commas important?

• They help make sentences clearer.

• They make sentences longer.

• They are not important.

• They confuse readers.

Answer explanation

Commas are crucial for clarity in writing. They help separate ideas and elements within a sentence, making it easier for readers to understand the intended meaning. Thus, the correct choice is that they help make sentences clearer.

What is the correct way to use commas in the following list? The outer planets in the solar system include Jupiter Saturn Uranus and Neptune.

• A) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

• B) Jupiter Saturn Uranus and Neptune.

• C) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is A) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Commas are needed to separate items in a list, and the final 'and' should precede the last item, following standard punctuation rules.

In the sentence 'Located between Mars and Jupiter, the asteroid belt contains numerous space rocks.', how is the comma used?

• It separates the introductory participial phrase from the main clause.

• It delineates two independent clauses.

• It is used to list items.

• It indicates a pause for dramatic effect.

Answer explanation

The comma in the sentence separates the introductory participial phrase 'Located between Mars and Jupiter' from the main clause 'the asteroid belt contains numerous space rocks.' This usage clarifies the sentence structure.

How are commas used in dialogue according to the image?

• Use a comma after the opening quote.

• Use a comma before the opening quote.

• Use a comma at the end of the sentence.

• Do not use a comma.

Answer explanation

In dialogue, a comma is used before the opening quote to separate the dialogue tag from the spoken words. This helps clarify who is speaking and maintains proper punctuation in the sentence.

How should commas be used in dialogue when followed by a dialogue tag?

• Use a comma before a closing quote.

• Use a period before a closing quote.

• Use no punctuation before a closing quote.

• Use a semicolon before a closing quote.

Answer explanation

In dialogue, when a speaker's words are followed by a dialogue tag (e.g., he said), a comma is used before the closing quote. This indicates a pause and connects the spoken words to the tag, making 'Use a comma before a closing quote' the correct choice.

Place commas in the sentence: Mars is known for its red colour distinctive polar ice caps large impact craters and towering volcanoes.

• Mars is known for its red colour distinctive polar ice caps large impact craters, and towering volcanoes.

• Mars is known for its red colour, distinctive polar ice caps, large impact craters, and towering volcanoes.

• Mars, is known for its red colour, distinctive polar ice caps, large impact craters and towering volcanoes.

• Mars is known for its red colour, distinctive polar ice caps, large impact craters and towering volcanoes.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes commas to separate items in a list, making it clear that Mars is known for multiple features: its red colour, distinctive polar ice caps, large impact craters, and towering volcanoes.