Exercise A: The Comma

 

Part I.

Directions: Indicate whether the following statements correctly describe the uses of the comma by clicking "True" or "False."

1 To separate items in a series
True
False
2 Wherever you want the reader to take a pause
True
False
3 To set off an introductory phrase
True
False
4 On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of the sentence
True
False
5 Anytime you use the word and
True
False
6 Between two complete thoughts connected by and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet
True
False
7 To set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence
True
False

Part II.

Directions: Find the selection that corrects the error in the underlined portion of the sentence. If the sentence is correct, click "no change."

1 I was supposed to go to Boston this weekend but I had no idea the train ride was so long.
weekend: but
weekend, but
no change
2 The receptionist retrieved my file from the drawer and handed me several new forms.
drawer, and handed
drawer and, handed
no change
3 My mother who hates to travel made a point of flying out for my graduation.
My mother, who hates to travel made a point
My mother, who hates to travel, made a point
no change
4 I listened carefully and took careful notes yet I still have no idea what to do.
notes, yet I
notes yet, I
no change
5 The journalist pleaded "Just one more question."
pleaded, "Just one
pleaded "Just one
no change
6 "Now is the time to get serious about your studies" my advisor told me.
studies." My advisor
studies," my advisor
no change
7 "Perhaps" said the fortune teller "you do not wish to know your destiny."
"Perhaps," said the fortune teller, "you do not wish
"Perhaps", said the fortune teller. "You do not wish
no change
8 If you get a chance, Peter will you please pick up the cleaning?
chance Peter, will
chance, Peter, will
no change
9 Over the last three years our financial situation has dramatically improved.
years, our
years. Our
no change
10 Salinger was one of the most important writers of the century yet he remains a mysterious figure.
century, yet
century; yet
no change