commas

True or False: In the sentence 'When the bell rings, the students leave,' the comma is used to separate an introductory clause from the main clause.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is correct. A comma is used after an introductory dependent clause, like 'When the bell rings,' to separate it from the independent clause that follows.

Complete the sentence with the option that correctly joins the two ideas: Maria wanted to watch a movie, _____ her brother wanted to play video games.

• or

• but

• , or

• , but

Answer explanation

The comma is already present to separate two independent clauses. A coordinating conjunction like 'but' is needed to connect them without adding a second, unnecessary comma.

Which of the following sentences uses a comma incorrectly?

• Before we go, let's check the map.

• The dog, a golden retriever, wagged its tail.

• I wanted to leave, but it started to rain.

• She is smart, and funny.

Answer explanation

A comma should not be used to separate two parts of a compound predicate ('is smart and funny') joined by 'and'. The other sentences correctly use commas.

Choose the option that correctly inserts a comma into the sentence: 'Because the traffic was so bad we missed the beginning of the show.'

• Because the traffic, was so bad we missed the beginning of the show.

• Because the traffic was so bad, we missed the beginning of the show.

• Because the traffic was so bad we missed, the beginning of the show.

• Because the traffic was so bad we missed the beginning, of the show.

Answer explanation

A comma is required after an introductory dependent clause ('Because the traffic was so bad') to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Which sentence is the best revision of 'The boy ran down the street who was wearing a red hat' for clarity?

• The boy, who was wearing a red hat, ran down the street.

• The boy ran down the street, who was wearing a red hat.

• The boy ran, down the street, who was wearing a red hat.

• The boy who was wearing a red hat ran down the street.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses a restrictive clause ('who was wearing a red hat') to identify which boy. Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning and are not set off by commas.

True or False: A comma should always be used before the word 'because'.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A comma is generally not used before 'because' when the clause that follows is essential to the sentence's meaning. It is only used if the 'because' clause is nonessential or to prevent misreading.

How does the meaning change between these two sentences?
1. The students who finished their work early were allowed to leave.
2. The students, who finished their work early, were allowed to leave.

• Sentence 1 means all students were allowed to leave; Sentence 2 means only some students were.

• Sentence 1 means only some students were allowed to leave; Sentence 2 means all students were.

• There is no change in meaning between the two sentences.

• Sentence 1 is grammatically correct, but Sentence 2 is incorrect.

Answer explanation

Sentence 1 has a restrictive clause (no commas), meaning only the specific students who finished early could leave. Sentence 2 has a nonrestrictive clause (with commas), implying all the students finished early and were allowed to leave.

In the sentence 'Mr. Harrison, my science teacher, assigned a new project,' the nonrestrictive element is _____.

• Mr. Harrison

• my science teacher

• assigned a new project

• a new project

Answer explanation

The phrase 'my science teacher' is an appositive that adds extra, nonessential information about Mr. Harrison. It is set off by commas, identifying it as a nonrestrictive element.

Context: You have several brothers. You want to specify that the one living in Texas is visiting. Which sentence is correct?

• My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting this weekend.

• My brother who lives in Texas is visiting this weekend.

• My brother who lives in Texas, is visiting this weekend.

• My brother, who lives in Texas is visiting this weekend.

Answer explanation

Because you have several brothers, the clause 'who lives in Texas' is essential (restrictive) to identify which brother you mean. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas.

To avoid a misunderstanding, where should a comma be placed in the following sentence? 'After painting the students left the room.'

• After, painting the students left the room.

• After painting, the students left the room.

• After painting the students, left the room.

• After painting the students left, the room.

Answer explanation

Placing a comma after 'painting' clarifies that the students were the ones who finished painting. Without the comma, it could be misread as someone painting the students.