Understanding Commas in English

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

• To indicate a soft pause

• To separate paragraphs

• To highlight important words

• To end a sentence

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the Oxford comma?

• I bought apples, and oranges, bananas.

• I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

• I bought apples and oranges, bananas.

• I bought apples, oranges and bananas.

When should you use a comma before 'but'?

• When it starts a sentence

• When it ends a sentence

• When it joins two dependent clauses

• When it joins two independent clauses

How can you correct a comma splice?

• By adding a conjunction or semicolon

• By removing the comma

• By adding an exclamation mark

• By starting a new paragraph

What is a non-restrictive clause?

• A clause that offers extra, non-essential information

• A clause that is essential to the sentence

• A clause that starts a sentence

• A clause that ends a sentence

In which case should an appositive be set off with commas?

• When it ends a sentence

• When it starts a sentence

• When it is non-essential to the meaning of the sentence

• When it is essential to the meaning of the sentence

When should a comma follow an introductory phrase?

• Always, regardless of length

• Only if the phrase is longer than four words

• Never

• Only if the phrase is a question

How should dates be formatted with commas?

• Month, Day Year

• Month, Day, Year

• Month Day Year

• Month Day, Year

What is a coordinate adjective?

• Adjectives that start a sentence

• Adjectives that modify different nouns

• Adjectives that modify a noun to an equal degree

• Adjectives that end a sentence

What is the role of interrupters in a sentence?

• To end a sentence

• To add extra information or emotion

• To start a new paragraph

• To replace a noun