Comma Quiz

1
Comma Quiz
Start quiz!
2
1. In theory the dark smoke from the burning oil
wells absorbs sunlight and the surrounding air is
heated.

• In theory, the dark smoke from the burning oil
  wells absorbs sunlight and the surrounding air is
  heated.
• In theory, the dark smoke from the burning oil
  wells absorbs sunlight, and the surrounding air
  is heated.
• In theory the dark smoke from the burning oil
  wells absorbs sunlight, and the surrounding air
  is heated.

3
Think about this

• Introductory material (In theory) needs a comma
  after it. Also, you need a comma when you use
  and to connect two sentences.

Return
4
Excellent!
Next
5
2. It seems that she answered the question easily
but her answer was actually quite complex.

• It seems that she answered the question easily,
  but her answer was actually quite complex.

It seems, that she answered the question easily
but her answer was actually quite complex.
It seems, that she answered the question easily,
but her answer was actually quite complex.
6
Think about this

• When the conjunction but is used to join two
  complete sentences, you must have a comma after
  the first complete sentence.

Return
7
Excellent!
Next
8
3. Because of mass destruction to the system
sewage overflowed and spread diseases.
Because, of mass destruction to the system sewage
overflowed and spread diseases.
Because of mass destruction, to the system,
sewage overflowed and spread diseases.
Because of mass destruction to the system, sewage
overflowed and spread diseases.
9
Think about this

• The part of the sentence with because is a
  clause... what needs to separate a dependent
  clause from its sentence?

Return
10
Excellent!

Next
11
4. I did not want to go to class nor did I want
to write that paper.
I did not want to go to class, nor did I want to
write that paper.
I did not want to go to class nor did I want to
write that paper.
I did not want to go, to class, nor did I want to
write that paper.
12
Think about this

• In this example, nor is a conjunction separating
  two complete sentences.

Return
13
Excellent!
Next
14
5. He could either go to the store or go to the
basketball game.
He could either go to the store, or go to the
basketball game.
He could either go to the store or go to the
basketball game.
He could either, go to the store, or go to the
basketball game.
15
Think about this

• Is there a complete sentence after the
  conjunction?

Return
16
Excellent!

Next
17
6. Eventually I got around to finishing the term
paper.

• Eventually, I got around to finishing the term
  paper.

Eventually I got around to finishing the term
paper.
Eventually, I got around, to finishing the term
paper.
18
Think about this

• Introductory material!

Return
19
Excellent!
Next
20
7. With sweat pouring down his face the
point-guard stepped up to the free-throw line.
With sweat pouring down his face the point-guard
stepped up to the free-throw line.
With sweat, pouring down his face, the
point-guard stepped up to the free-throw line.
With sweat pouring down his face, the point-guard
stepped up to the free-throw line.
21
Try again
Return
22
Excellent!

Next
23
8. Quickly I ran down the street to the corner
store.
Quickly, I ran down the street, to the corner
store.
Quickly, I ran down the street to the corner
store.
Quickly I ran down the street to the corner store.
24
Try again
Return
25
Excellent!
Next
26
9. At the casino Mike lost his money and his
pride.
At the casino Mike lost his money and his pride.
At the casino Mike lost, his money and his pride.
At the casino, Mike lost his money and his pride.
27
Try again
Return
28
Excellent!
Next
29
10. Pausing only for a sip of water the runner
continued on at an exhausting pace.
Pausing only for a sip of water the runner
continued on at an exhausting pace.
Pausing only for a sip of water, the runner
continued on at an exhausting pace.
Pausing only for a sip of water, the runner
continued on, at an exhausting pace.
30
Try again
Return
31
Excellent!

• END OF QUIZ!