Mastering Comma Usage and Basic Rules

What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?

• To indicate a question

• To show excitement

• To signify a slight pause

• To end a sentence

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas to separate elements in a series?

• I bought apples, oranges and bananas.

• I bought apples oranges, and bananas.

• I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

• I bought apples oranges and bananas.

What is the Oxford comma?

• A comma used after the last item in a series

• A comma used to separate adjectives

• A comma used before the first item in a series

• A comma used before the conjunction in a series

Why is it advisable to use the Oxford comma?

• It makes the sentence shorter

• It helps to avoid confusion

• It is required by all style guides

• It is easier to write

Which sentence correctly uses commas to separate adjectives?

• She had a, bright red dress.

• She had a bright, red dress.

• She had a bright red dress.

• She had a bright red, dress.

When should you not use a comma between adjectives?

• When the adjectives are in a series

• When the adjectives describe different aspects

• When the adjectives are not coordinated

• When the adjectives are of equal status

Where should a comma be placed after an introductory word?

• No comma is needed

• After the introductory word

• Before the introductory word

• At the end of the sentence

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma after an introductory phrase?

• After a long day, she, went to bed early.

• After a long day she, went to bed early.

• After a long day she went to bed early.

• After a long day, she went to bed early.

In American English, where should commas be placed in relation to quotation marks?

• After the quotation marks

• Outside the quotation marks

• Inside the quotation marks

• Before the quotation marks

How does British English differ from American English in terms of comma placement with quotation marks?

• British English does not use commas with quotation marks

• British English places commas outside quotation marks

• British English places commas inside quotation marks

• British English uses semicolons instead of commas