Tag: comma

Questions Related to comma

Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, which are a kind of highly specialized branch.

  1. areoles;

  2. areoles -

  3. areoles

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two parts, the main clause and the non restrictive phrase that adds extra information about the noun phrase. As a general rule, a comma is used before 'which' when it introduces a non restrictive phrase. Thus, the correct answer must be Option D.
Option A - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
Option B - The en dash issued to represent a span or range of numbers, dates or time.

 

The cathedrals we considered the most glorious examples of architecture; now lie crumbling.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. architecture now

  2. architecture, now

  3. architecture - now

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
When a sentence comprises of a long subject followed by a verb, a comma should be placed immediately before the verb. Like in the given sentence, the subject is rather long followed by the verb. Therefore, a comma must be used in place of the semi colon. Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
The hyphen is used to form certain compound terms.

The decorators painted the room; and the upholsterers refurbished the furniture.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. room, and

  2. room - and

  3. room and

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, 'and'. According to general rule, a comma must be used before the coordinate conjunction, that joins two independent clauses. Thus, the correct answer will be Option A. 
An em dash is always more emphatic than commas, which is not required in the sentence.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinate conjunction is omitted. 


Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens, avoided the open-air areas on account of the rains.

  1. Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens

  2. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens,

  3. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, when descriptive information is found within, rather than at the end of a sentence, it should be set off with a pair of commas. 
In the given sentence, the phrase 'who usually enjoy the gardens' is the descriptive information. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

How we are to acquire three new players in a week, is the big question.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. week is

  2. week - is

  3. week; is

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
In our usual speech patterns, we sometimes place clauses in a particular manner for greater emphasis. So, in writing a comma is required for a pause at the place of emphasis. Thus, the correct answer is Option D, no change.
Option A is incorrect, as it does not include the required punctuation.
Option B and C are also incorrect. A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted whereas, a dash is used to connect closely related independent clauses.

To accomplish them, some goals require not skill but patience.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. skill; but

  2. skill, but

  3. skill - but

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A comma is often required to eliminate confusion or the misreading of a sentence, even if a comma would not normally be called for. Like in the given sentence, the comma is put before the coordinating conjunction, 'but' for a pause and more emphasis.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
A semi colon is put between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. 
The em dash is used to put a more emphasis in comparison to a comma, which is not needed in the given sentence..