Comma Usage Rules Quiz

What punctuation should always follow an independent marker word when it begins a sentence?

Which of the following sentences correctly uses an independent marker word?

Which statement is false regarding independent clauses and independent marker words?

When should a semicolon be placed between two independent clauses?

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a comma in relation to an independent clause and a conjunction?

What punctuation should be used before a conjunction when separating two independent clauses?

When should you avoid placing a comma in a sentence that contains a dependent clause?

Which of the following is a common dependent marker word?

Which of these sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

In the sentence 'After Brylee helped out with the nursing home games, she encouraged girls to help out too.', what type of clause is 'After Brylee helped out with the nursing home games'?

Which example demonstrates the correct use of commas in a series?

How should you express the idea of 'I went to the store, but I forgot something' using a semicolon?

Which sentence correctly uses commas according to standard rules?

Comma Usage

Commas are essential in separating items in a series; a comma is required before the conjunction.
Example: "I had to shower, brush my teeth, and get dressed."
Avoid placing a comma after a conjunction (e.g., "and," "or," "but").
In cases expressing cause, such as "because," do not use a comma before or after: "We were hungry because we got food with my friends."

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Independent clauses are complete thoughts that can stand alone.
A comma must be placed before the conjunction when two independent clauses are joined.
Example: "Jane does meth, and Ethel doesn't have a job."
Dependent clauses cannot stand alone, as they lack a complete thought and should not be preceded by a comma when following an independent clause.
Example: "I went to the fair and bought tickets."

Common Dependent Markers

Dependent marker words include: after, although, because, before, while, and whenever.
A dependent marker at the beginning of a sentence turns the initial part into a dependent clause requiring a comma before an independent clause.
Example: "Because Ava fell down the stairs, she has a large bruise."

Semicolons

Semicolons can be used instead of a comma and conjunction to link two independent clauses.
Use sparingly; typically, one or two per paragraph.
Place them between independent clauses without a conjunction.
Example: "Elijah didn't like the cafeteria food; he refused to eat it."

Independent Markers

Independent marker words (e.g., also, however, therefore) connect independent clauses.
Always use a comma after an independent marker when it's at the start of a sentence.
To join sentences with an independent marker, use a semicolon.
Example: "Betsy is a great person; therefore, I sat near her during the pep rally."

Summary of Usage

Independent clause + conjunction + independent clause requires a comma.
An independent clause followed by a dependent clause typically does not use a comma.
Semicolons are placed between independent clauses without conjunctions.
Independent marker words necessitate a comma after them.

Test your understanding of comma usage in sentences with this quiz. Learn how to correctly separate items in a series and the proper placement of commas before conjunctions. Challenge yourself to identify common mistakes and improve your writing skills.