Tag: comma

Questions Related to comma

State whether true or false:
Commas are used to mark off words addressing people.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The statement is true. We use commas to mark off words addressing people.
For example:
Come in, Priya. 

The following sentence is correctly punctuated:
We bought food plates balloons and cake for the party.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The statement is false because the sentence is not punctuated correctly. We use a comma to separate a series of words in a list. So the correctly punctuated sentence would be:
We bought food, plates, balloons and cake for the party.

The following sentence is correctly punctuated:
Maya said "I don't know who you're talking about." 

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The sentence is false because we need to use a comma before introducing a direct quotation. So, the correctly punctuated sentence would be: 
Maya said, "I don't know who you're talking about." 

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. Sarah's uncle's car was found without its wheels in that old derelict warehouse.

  2. Sarah's uncle's car was found without its wheels in that old, derelict warehouse.

  3. Sarahs uncles car was found without its wheels in that old, derelict warehouse.

  4. Sarah's uncle's car was found without it's wheels in that old, derelict warehouse.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Comma indicates a smaller pause. It is used to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable. In the given sentence, 'old' and 'derelict' are the two adjectives used for warehouse. Thus, comma is used to separate them. We can also use 'derelict, old warehouse' as the adjectives are interchangeable. Apostrophe is correctly used as 'Sarah's and Uncle's in option B since it is used here to show possession. Hence, option B is correct. 

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. We decided to visit: Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy's mountains.

  2. We decided to visit Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italys mountains.

  3. We decided to visit Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy's mountains.

  4. We decided to visit Spain Greece Portugal and Italy's mountains.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Apostrophe is correctly used as Italy's in option C since it is used here to show possession. Comma indicates a smaller pause. It is used to separate words or word groups in a simple series. In the given sentence, four different subjects 'Spain', 'Greece', 'Portugal' and 'Italy' are correctly separated by comma in option C. Hence, the correct option is C.


Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. She always enjoyed sweets, chocolate, marshmallows and toffee apples.

  2. She always enjoyed: sweets, chocolate, marshmallows and toffee apples.

  3. She always enjoyed sweets chocolate marshmallows and toffee apples.

  4. She always enjoyed sweet's, chocolate, marshmallow's and toffee apple's.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Comma indicates a smaller pause. It is used to separate words or word groups in a simple series. In the given sentence, four different subjects 'sweets', 'chocolate', 'marshmallows' and 'toffee apples' are separated by comma. Hence, A is the correct option. 

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. Paul's neighbours were terrible; so his brother's friends went round to have a word.

  2. Paul's neighbours were terrible: so his brother's friends went round to have a word.

  3. Paul's neighbours were terrible, so his brother's friends went round to have a word.

  4. Paul's neighbours were terrible so his brother's friends went round to have a word.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The given sentence has two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (here, 'so') to join two independent clauses whereas, a semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
A colon (:) is used to separate two clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. 
According to the given reason, Options A,B and D can be termed incorrect and the correct answer is Option C.


Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. Tims gran, a formidable woman, always bought him chocolate, cakes, sweets and a nice fresh apple.

  2. Tim's gran a formidable woman always bought him chocolate, cakes, sweets, and a nice fresh apple.

  3. Tim's gran, a formidable woman, always bought him chocolate cakes sweets and a nice fresh apple.

  4. Tim's gran, a formidable woman, always bought him chocolate, cakes, sweets, and a nice fresh apple.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Apostrophe is correctly used as Tim's in option D since it is used here to show possession. Comma is used to separate words or word groups in a simple series. In the given sentence, four different subjects 'chocolate', 'cakes', 'sweets' and 'fresh apple' are separated by comma correctly in option D. Comma is also used to set off name, nick name, term of endearment or title of a person directly addressed. 'A formidable woman' term is used as endearment or to describe Tim's gran thus option D is correct. Hence, correct option is D.   


Finally after much trial and error, the scientists succeeded in their experiments.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined phrase.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Finally after, much trial and error,

  3. Finally, after much trial and error,

  4. Finally, after much trial and error


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, an introductory adverbial element must be followed by a comma. Thus, in the given sentence, the word 'finally' is an adverb and must be followed by a comma.
A comma is also required when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. Thus, placing a comma after the dependent clause in the given sentence is necessary. 
The correct answer is Option C.

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. Our Father in Heaven

  2. Our Father, in Heaven

  3. Our Father, in Heaven,

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
In the given sentence, 'Our Father in Heaven' is used as one name. According to general rule, when several words in their common order are used as one compound name, a comma is not inserted. However, a compound name is followed by a comma.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option D, no change.