Understanding Comma Usage

What is one common use of commas in writing?

• To separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause

• To end a sentence

• To replace conjunctions

• To indicate a question

In the sentence 'He drove through Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky,' what role do the commas play?

• They separate items in a list

• They indicate a pause

• They connect two independent clauses

• They emphasize the words

How are commas used in the sentence 'Your handwriting is sloppy, but your punctuation is perfect'?

• To separate two independent clauses

• To list items

• To set off non-essential information

• To indicate a question

What is the purpose of commas in the sentence 'The badger, a shy animal, sometimes makes friends with a coyote'?

• To set off non-essential information

• To separate items in a list

• To connect two independent clauses

• To indicate a pause

In the sentence 'On November 19, 1929, Admiral Richard E. Byrd flew the Floyd Bennett to the base of the Queen Maud Mountains,' why is a comma used after the date?

• To separate the date from the rest of the sentence

• To indicate a pause

• To list items

• To set off non-essential information