Mastering Comma Usage in English Writing

What is a common misconception about the use of commas?

• They should be used wherever there is a pause.

• They are used to end sentences.

• They are only used in lists.

• They are not necessary in formal writing.

What is a clause?

• A group of words with a subject and a predicate.

• A single word that modifies a noun.

• A punctuation mark used to end a sentence.

• A type of conjunction.

Which of the following is an example of an independent clause?

• When she bakes bread.

• Because she has a pet parrot.

• Loves birds.

• Beatrice loves birds.

When combining an independent clause and a dependent clause, when is a comma necessary?

• Always.

• Only if the dependent clause comes first.

• Never.

• Only if the independent clause comes first.

What type of conjunction is used to combine two independent clauses with a comma?

• Coordinating conjunction.

• Correlative conjunction.

• Conjunctive adverb.

• Subordinating conjunction.

What is an introductory phrase?

• A phrase that ends a sentence.

• A phrase that provides additional information about a noun.

• A phrase that clarifies when, where, or how something occurs.

• A phrase that lists items.

What is an appositive?

• A verb that describes an action.

• A punctuation mark.

• A type of conjunction.

• A noun or noun phrase that clarifies another noun.

When listing three or more items, where should commas be placed?

• After the last item.

• Before the first item.

• After the first and second items.

• After the first item only.

What is the Oxford comma?

• A comma used before the conjunction in a list of three or more items.

• A comma used to introduce a quote.

• A comma used to separate two independent clauses.

• A comma used at the beginning of a sentence.

When are commas needed between adjectives?

• When the adjectives modify different nouns.

• When the adjectives are part of a dependent clause.

• When the adjectives appear one after the other and modify the same noun.

• When the adjectives are at the end of a sentence.