Comma Usage Quiz

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma to separate independent clauses?

• Wayne was reserved around new people, but he was hardly shy.

• Wayne was reserved around new people but he was hardly shy.

• Wayne, was reserved around new people but he was hardly shy.

• Wayne was reserved, around new people but he was hardly shy.

What is the purpose of using a comma after an introductory clause or phrase?

• To separate the introduction from the main part of the sentence

• To indicate a question

• To show possession

• To end a sentence

Which sentence correctly uses commas between all items in a series?

• Red, white, and blue are the colors of the American flag.

• Red white and blue are the colors of the American flag.

• Red, white and blue are the colors of the American flag.

• Red white, and blue are the colors of the American flag.

Which of the following is an example of using commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses?

• Steven Strom, whose show you like, will host a party next week.

• Steven Strom whose show you like will host a party next week.

• Steven Strom whose show you like, will host a party next week.

• Steven Strom, whose show you like will host a party next week.

What is an appositive, as used in comma rules?

• A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it

• A verb that describes an action

• A type of punctuation mark

• A conjunction joining two clauses

Which sentence uses a comma to set off an appositive?

• Alexander Pope, the Restoration poet, is famous for his monologues.

• Alexander Pope the Restoration poet is famous for his monologues.

• Alexander Pope, the Restoration poet is famous for his monologues.

• Alexander Pope the Restoration poet, is famous for his monologues.

How is a comma used to indicate a direct address?

• By separating the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence

• By ending the sentence

• By joining two independent clauses

• By showing possession

Which of the following sentences uses a comma to indicate a direct address?

• Tom, pick up the book.

• Tom pick up the book.

• Tom pick, up the book.

• Tom pick up, the book.

What is the correct way to use commas with direct quotations?

• Sophie said, “Flowers have meaning.”

• Sophie said “Flowers have meaning.”

• Sophie, said “Flowers have meaning.”

• Sophie said “Flowers, have meaning.”

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas with dates?

• Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869.

• Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2 1869.

• Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2 1869.

• Mahatma Gandhi was born, on October 2, 1869.