Navigating Comma Usage Before 'And'

What is the main difference between American and British conventions regarding comma usage before 'and'?

• Americans never use a comma before 'and'.

• Both Americans and Brits use a comma before 'and' in lists of three or more items.

• Brits always use a comma before 'and'.

• Americans use a comma before 'and' in lists of three or more items, while Brits typically do not.

According to British convention, how should the phrase 'fish and chips' be punctuated?

• fish and chips

• fish, and chips

• fish and, chips

• fish, chips

In American convention, how should the phrase 'burger, fries, and a shake' be punctuated?

• burger fries, and a shake

• burger, fries and a shake

• burger, fries, and a shake

• burger fries and a shake

What is the Oxford comma?

• A comma used before 'and' in lists of three or more items, particularly in American English and by some Brits.

• A comma used before 'and' in lists of two items.

• A comma used only in academic writing.

• A comma used after 'and' in any list.

When should a comma be used before 'and' in a sentence with two independent clauses?

• Always

• When each clause can stand alone as a sentence

• Only if the clauses are short

• Never

Identify the correct punctuation: 'She must be able to sing, dance, and tell jokes' according to American convention.

• She must be able to sing, dance and tell jokes

• She must be able to sing, dance, and tell jokes

• She must be able to sing dance and tell jokes

• She must be able to sing and dance, and tell jokes

In the sentence 'He likes pies and cakes, and he likes fruit', why is there a comma before 'and'?

• Because 'and' is used for emphasis.

• Because 'and' is at the end of the sentence.

• Because 'and' joins two independent clauses.

• Because 'and' joins two list items.

What should you do if following the local convention for comma usage causes ambiguity?

• Always follow the local convention regardless.

• Use the other convention to avoid ambiguity.

• Ignore the rules and use your own judgment.

• Consult a grammar book for advice.

Which of the following is NOT a coordinating conjunction?

• or

• because

• but

• and

What acronym can help you remember the coordinating conjunctions?

• FANBOYS

• BOYSFAN

• JOINERS

• CONJUNCT