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WorksheetsCommas and Parenthetical Expressions
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 15mins
Add commas where they are needed in the following sentence:
In fact a person who lives in the United States uses an average of twenty-eight pounds of soap and detergent a year.
Correct as written
In fact a person, who lives in the United States uses an average of twenty-eight pounds of soap and detergent a year.
In fact, a person who lives in the United States uses an average of twenty-eight pounds of soap and detergent a year.
In fact a person who lives in the United States, uses an average of twenty-eight pounds of soap and detergent a year.
Add commas where they are needed in the following sentence:
According to old legends soap was invented over three thousand years ago.
Correct as written
According to old, legends soap was invented over three thousand years ago.
According to, old legends soap was invented over three thousand years ago.
According to old legends, soap was invented over three thousand years ago.
Add commas where they are needed in the following sentence:
On top of Sapo Hill in Rome fat from sacrificed animals was used to make soap.
Correct as written
On top of Sapo Hill in Rome fat, from sacrificed animals was used to make soap.
On top of Sapo Hill, in Rome fat from sacrificed animals was used to make soap.
On top of Sapo Hill in Rome, fat from sacrificed animals was used to make soap.
Add commas where they are needed in the following sentence:
Working with caustic soda in the 1700's Nicolas Leblanc discovered that an inexpensive soap could be produced from salt.
Correct as written
Working with caustic soda in the 1700's, Nicolas Leblanc discovered that an inexpensive soap could be produced from salt.
Working with, caustic soda in the 1700's Nicolas Leblanc discovered that an inexpensive soap could be produced from salt.
Working with caustic soda, in the 1700's Nicolas Leblanc discovered that an inexpensive soap could be produced from salt.
Pirates those legendary plunderers of the ocean made many spectacular heists on the high seas.
Correct as Written
Pirates, those legendary plunderers, of the ocean made many spectacular heists on the high seas.
Pirates, those legendary plunderers of the ocean, made many spectacular heists on the high seas.
Pirates those, legendary plunderers of the ocean made, many spectacular heists on the high seas.
EXERCISE 3: Distinguishing between Essential & Nonessential Expressions
If a sentence contains an essential expression, select "Correct as Written." If the sentence contains a nonessential expression, add commas where needed.
Bartholomew Roberts who allowed no drinking or gambling on his ship caught and pirated over 400 vessels.
Correct as Written
Bartholomew Roberts, who allowed no drinking or gambling on his ship, caught and pirated over 400 vessels.
Bartholomew Roberts, who allowed no drinking, or gambling on his ship caught and pirated over 400 vessels.
Bartholomew Roberts, who allowed no drinking or gambling, on his ship caught and pirated over 400 vessels.
If a sentence contains an essential expression, select "Correct as Written." If the sentence contains a nonessential expression, add commas where needed.
Long Ben Avery beginning his pirating career at age twenty captured two million dollars worth of treasure.
Correct as Written
Long Ben Avery beginning his pirating career at age twenty, captured two million dollars worth, of treasure.
Long Ben Avery beginning his pirating career at age twenty captured, two million dollars worth of treasure.
Long Ben Avery, beginning his pirating career at age twenty, captured two million dollars worth of treasure.
If a sentence contains an essential expression, select "Correct as Written." If the sentence contains a nonessential expression, add commas where needed.
The pirates who possessed a very strong code of honor within their ranks often took what they wanted from people who were not pirates.
Correct as Written
The pirates, who possessed a very strong code of honor, within their ranks often took what they wanted from people who were not pirates.
The pirates, who possessed a very strong code of honor within their ranks, often took what they wanted from people who were not pirates.
The pirates who possessed a very strong code of honor within their ranks, often took what they wanted from people who were not pirates.
If a sentence contains an essential expression, select "Correct as Written." If the sentence contains a nonessential expression, add commas where needed.
Pirates who stole from their mates had their ears and noses cut off as punishment.
Correct as Written
Pirates, who stole from their mates, had their ears and noses cut off as punishment.
Pirates who stole from their mates, had their ears and noses cut off, as punishment.
Pirates, who stole, from their mates had their ears and noses cut off as punishment.
Add commas where they are needed in the following sentence:
Though we probably do not think about it often we use soap everyday.
Correct as written
Though we probably do not think, about it often we use soap everyday.
Though we probably do not think about it often, we use soap everyday.
Though we probably do not think about it often, we use, soap, everyday.
commas set off parentheticals
I will understand, of course, if you are unable to attend.
I will understand, of course if you are unable to attend.
The children, I suppose, are getting really excited.
The children, I suppose are getting really excited.
Use commas to set off non essential phrases
Jumper cables, which are put on backwards, can create many serious problems.
Jumper cables, which are put on backwards can create many serious problems.
The store reimburses parking fees, for anyone who makes a store purchase.
The store, reimburses parking fees, for anyone who makes a store purchase.
use commas to set off parenthetical expressions that interrupt the main thought
The President said, "give me peace".
The President, said, "give me peace".
Well elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
Well, elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
Add commas where they are needed in the following sentence: The teacher who was very experienced gave us a lot of homework.
A) Correct as written
B) The teacher, who was very experienced, gave us a lot of homework.
C) The teacher who was very experienced, gave us a lot of homework.
D) The teacher, who was very experienced gave us a lot of homework.
Identify the sentence with the correct use of commas for parenthetical expressions:
A) My brother, who is a great cook, made dinner last night.
B) My brother who is a great cook made dinner last night.
C) My brother who is a great cook, made dinner last night.
D) My brother, who is a great cook made dinner last night.
