Commas with Interrupters Explained

What is the primary function of commas when dealing with interrupters in a sentence?

• To end a sentence

• To introduce a list

• To connect clauses

• To indicate a pause or separation

Which example shows correct comma usage with a direct address?

• Please stop, Muggs scratching those fleas.

• Muggs please, stop scratching those fleas.

• Muggs, please stop scratching those fleas.

• Muggs please stop scratching those fleas.

How does the placement of commas affect the interpretation of 'Mary, said Terry, was teasing Muggs'?

• Terry teases Muggs

• Mary accuses Terry

• Terry accuses Mary

• It is unclear who teases whom

What role does 'without a doubt' play in the sentence regarding Muggs and fleas?

• A conjunction

• A contrasting expression

• An interrupter

• An appositive

What does the phrase 'without a doubt' exemplify when used in a sentence about Muggs?

• An independent clause

• A necessary clause

• An interrupter that requires commas

• A definitive statement

What is the effect of commas in the sentence 'Mary, said Terry, was teasing Muggs'?

• Clarifies that Terry is speaking about Mary

• None of the above

• Shows that Mary is speaking to Terry

• Indicates a pause with no effect on meaning

In which sentence is the use of commas optional and based on the desired reading pace?

• Your dog, a pit bull, always makes a mess.

• I think Muggs has more fleas than any dog.

• Muggs has, I think, more fleas than any dog.

• Muggs, please stop scratching.

How does the placement of commas influence the reading of 'Muggs has, I think, more fleas than any dog'?

• Changes the subject of the sentence

• Indicates who is thinking

• Suggests a pause for emphasis

• Alters the factual statement about Muggs

What is an appositive in the context of comma usage?

• A type of conjunction

• A necessary part of every sentence

• A brief interruption

• A word or phrase that identifies or explains a noun

Which sentence correctly uses commas with an appositive?

• Your dog a pit bull, always makes a mess when I feed him.

• Your dog, a pit bull, always makes a mess when I feed him.

• Your dog, a pit bull always makes a mess when I feed him.

• Your dog a pit bull always makes a mess when I feed him.