Comma Quiz Edit

1

PLEASE NOTE: Because this comma quiz requires a working understanding of many aspects of grammar, some may find it especially challenging. Additional research may be needed. Consider each answer carefully. One or more commas may be needed in the sample sentences.

For this quiz, the purposes of commas are limited to the following reasons. Make sure you understand each of the following:

  • The comma connects two independent clauses (alongside a conjunction, to form a compound sentence).
  • The comma separates items in a series (of three or more things).
  • The comma sets off an introductory phrase (that isn’t the subject).
  • The comma is used to separate coordinate adjectives, that modify the same noun, but are not joined by “and.”
  • The comma sets off dialogue and quotations.
  • The comma prevents misreading and avoids confusion that would otherwise ensue.
  • The comma sets off nonessential additions to a sentence (e.g., parenthetical expressions).
  • No comma is needed.

Writing Prompt! In a brief paragraph or two, respond to one of these questions.

  1. If you could talk with animals, which animals would you like to talk with? What would you talk about?
  2. What is one quality or characteristic you admire in others — that you struggle with (or don’t have)? What do you admire about it? Is it something you’re working to develop? Why or why not?
2

Define a fragment sentence, and explain how to fix it.

3

Define a run-on sentence, and explain how to fix it.

4

Define a comma splice, and explain how to fix it.

5

Define a semicolon, and explain when to use it.

6

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 1. The students at Hogwarts always ignored the smart helpful Dumbledore.

The students at Hogwarts always ignored the smart, helpful, Professor Dumbledore.

The students at Hogwarts always ignored the smart, helpful, Professor, Dumbledore.

The students at Hogwarts, always, ignored the smart helpful Professor Dumbledore.

The students at Hogwarts always ignored the smart, helpful Professor Dumbledore.

7

In your answer for Sentence 1, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

No comma is needed.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separates items in a series.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Separate coordinate adjectives.

8

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 2. The students saw how lucky they had been when the rude Professor Umbridge took over.

The students saw how lucky they had been when the rude, Professor Umbridge took over.

The students saw how lucky they had been, when the rude Professor Umbridge took over.

The students saw how lucky they had been when the rude, Professor, Umbridge took over.

The students saw how lucky they had been when the rude Professor Umbridge took over.

9

In your answer for Sentence 2, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

No comma is needed.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Separates items in a series.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

10

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 3. Once we got on the flying carpet took off.

Once we got on, the flying carpet took off.

Once we got on the flying carpet took off.

Once we got on the flying, carpet took off.

Once we got on the flying carpet, took off.

11

In your answer for Sentence 3, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Separates items in a series.

Sets off nonessential additions.

No comma is needed.

12

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 4. Once we got on the flying carpet it took off.

Once we got on the flying carpet, it took off.

Once, we got on the flying carpet, it took off.

Once, we got on the flying carpet it took off.

Once we got on the flying carpet it took off.

13

In your answer for Sentence 4, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off nonessential additions.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

No comma is needed.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separates items in a series.

14

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 5. Hermione drank all of her butterbeer but refused to eat her chocolate frogs.

Hermione drank, all of her butterbeer, but refused to eat her chocolate frogs.

Hermione drank all of her butterbeer but, refused to eat her chocolate frogs.

Hermione drank all of her butterbeer but refused to eat her chocolate frogs.

Hermione drank all of her butterbeer, but refused to eat her chocolate frogs.

15

In your answer for Sentence 5, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Separates items in a series.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

No comma is needed.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

16

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 6. Katniss Everdeen the fearless tribute is the star of the Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen, the fearless tribute, is the star of the Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen the fearless tribute is the star of the Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen the fearless tribute is the star of, the Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen the fearless tribute is the star, of the Hunger Games.

17

In your answer for Sentence 6, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

No comma is needed.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Separates items in a series.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

18

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 7. When they found the Infinity Stones the balance of power became more precarious.

When they found the Infinity Stones, the balance of power, became more precarious.

When, they found the Infinity Stones, the balance of power became more precarious.

When they found the Infinity Stones, the balance of power became more precarious.

When they found the Infinity Stones the balance of power became more precarious.

19

In your answer for Sentence 7, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

No comma is needed.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Separates items in a series.

20

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 8. “May the Force be with you” shouted Luke’s Jedi students.

“May the Force be with you,” shouted Luke’s Jedi students.

“May the Force be with you,” shouted, Luke’s Jedi students.

“May the Force, be with you” shouted Luke’s Jedi students.

“May the Force be with you” shouted Luke’s Jedi students.

21

In your answer for Sentence 8, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off nonessential additions.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

No comma is needed.

Separates items in a series.

22

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 9. Lightsabers blasters and other weapons are prohibited during Jedi classes.

Lightsabers, blasters, and other weapons, are prohibited during Jedi classes.

Lightsabers, blasters, and other weapons are prohibited during Jedi classes.

Lightsabers blasters and other weapons are prohibited during Jedi classes.

Lightsabers blasters and other weapons are prohibited, during Jedi classes.

23

In your answer for Sentence 9, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Separates items in a series.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

No comma is needed.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off nonessential additions.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

24

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 10. The new actor desperately needs to improve his acting abilities.

The new, actor desperately needs to improve his acting abilities.

The new actor, desperately, needs to improve his acting abilities.

The new actor desperately needs to improve his acting abilities.

The new actor desperately needs to improve, his acting abilities.

25

In your answer for Sentence 10, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

No comma is needed.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Separates items in a series.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

26

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 11. As mandrakes grow their roots need room to expand.

As mandrakes grow their roots need room to expand.

As mandrakes grow, their roots need room, to expand.

As mandrakes grow their roots need room, to expand.

As mandrakes grow, their roots need room to expand.

27

In your answer for Sentence 11, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Separates items in a series.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

No comma is needed.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

28

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 12. That book in my opinion had more love triangles than a vampire saga.

That book, in my opinion, had more love triangles than a vampire saga.

That book, in my opinion had more love triangles than a vampire saga.

That book in my opinion, had more love triangles than a vampire saga.

That book in my opinion had more love triangles than a vampire saga.

29

In your answer for Sentence 12, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Separates items in a series.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

No comma is needed.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Sets off nonessential additions.

30

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 13. Gwen Stacy went on the field trip but wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider.

Gwen Stacy went on the field trip but wasn’t bitten, by a radioactive spider.

Gwen Stacy went on the field trip, but wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider.

Gwen Stacy went on the field trip but wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider.

Gwen Stacy, went on the field trip, but wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider.

31

In your answer for Sentence 13, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

No comma is needed.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separates items in a series.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Separate coordinate adjectives.

32

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 14. Because of Thor’s storm we had to buy umbrellas.

Because of Thor’s storm we had to buy umbrellas.

Because of Thor’s storm we had, to buy umbrellas.

Because of Thor’s storm, we had to buy umbrellas.

Because, of Thor’s storm we had to buy umbrellas.

33

In your answer for Sentence 14, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Separates items in a series.

No comma is needed.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

34

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 15. We are however worthy enough to lift Thor’s hammer.

We are however, worthy enough to lift Thor’s hammer.

We are however worthy enough to lift Thor’s hammer.

We are however worthy enough, to lift Thor’s hammer.

We are, however, worthy enough to lift Thor’s hammer.

35

In your answer for Sentence 15, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off nonessential additions.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separates items in a series.

No comma is needed.

36

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 16. The vampire who went through high school many times was remarkably patient.

The vampire, who went through high school many times was remarkably patient.

The vampire, who went through high school many times, was remarkably patient.

The vampire who went through high school many times was remarkably patient.

The vampire who went through high school many times, was remarkably patient.

37

In your answer for Sentence 16, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off nonessential additions.

Separates items in a series.

No comma is needed.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

38

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 17. Although I am actually 104 years old.

Although I am, actually 104 years old.

Although I am actually 104 years old.

Although, I am actually 104 years old.

Although I am, actually, 104 years old.

39

In your answer for Sentence 17, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Separates items in a series.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

No comma is needed.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

40

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 18. Although I am actually 104 years old I am still in high school.

Although, I am actually 104 years old, I am still in high school.

Although, I am actually 104 years old I am still in high school.

Although I am actually 104 years old I am still in high school.

Although I am actually 104 years old, I am still in high school.

41

In your answer for Sentence 18, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Sets off dialogue and quotations.

Separates items in a series.

Sets off nonessential additions.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

No comma is needed.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

42

Below is a sample sentence that may be missing one or more commas. Which answer is most correct?

Sentence 19. “That idea” said Ben Kenobi “is as old as the Republic.”

“That idea” said Ben Kenobi, “is as old as the Republic.”

“That idea” said Ben Kenobi “is as old as the Republic.”

“That idea,” said Ben Kenobi “is as old as the Republic.”

“That idea,” said Ben Kenobi, “is as old as the Republic.”

43

In your answer for Sentence 19, what is the purpose of the comma(s)?

Sets off nonessential additions.

Sets off an introductory phrase.

No comma is needed.

Separates items in a series.

Prevents misreading and avoids confusion.

Separate coordinate adjectives.

Connects two independent clauses (with a conjunction).

Sets off dialogue and quotations.