Tag: english

Questions Related to english

"Please, Sir," said Oliver "I want some more."

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

comma punctuation english

  1. "Please Sir," said Oliver, "I want some more."

  2. "Please, Sir," said Oliver, "I want some more."

  3. "Please Sir," said Oliver; "I want some more."

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, a quotation, observation, or description, when it is introduced in close dependence on a verb is generally separated from the rest of the sentence by the comma. 
Using a comma after the word 'Please' in the given sentence is required for a pause.
Thus, the correct form of writing the sentence will be as in, Option B.
The usage of a semi colon is not correct in the given sentence.

He was not however able to find a new teacher.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

comma punctuation english

  1. not however, able

  2. not, however able

  3. not, however, able

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The word 'however' in the given sentence is an adverb. According to general rule, when adverbs break the connection of a simple sentence or when they do not have a close dependence on some particular words in a context, they should be set off with commas. 
Since, in the given sentence, the adverb appears in between, it should be set off using a pair of commas on either side. Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

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

comma punctuation english

  1. areoles;

  2. areoles -

  3. areoles

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
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.

comma punctuation english

  1. architecture now

  2. architecture, now

  3. architecture - now

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
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.

comma punctuation english

  1. room, and

  2. room - and

  3. room and

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
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.

comma punctuation english

  1. Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens

  2. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens,

  3. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
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.

comma punctuation english

  1. week is

  2. week - is

  3. week; is

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
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.

comma punctuation english

  1. skill; but

  2. skill, but

  3. skill - but

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
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..

Fill in the blank with the correct option.
To link words so that a compound word is formed we use a _____.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Hyphen

  2. Comma

  3. Question mark

  4. Semi colon

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to join words or parts of words in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer will be Option A. The other remaining options are incorrect.
Option B - A comma is used to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Option C - A question mark is used to indicate an interrogative clause in a sentence.
Option D - A semi colon is used to separate major sentence elements.



Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
I have been a vegetarian for the past three years; except that I occasionally eat fish.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years: except that I occasionally eat fish.

  2. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years ... except that I occasionally eat fish.

  3. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years - except that I occasionally eat fish.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option C.
Option B is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.