Questions and Answers
Where in the sentence should the writer add a hyphen?
I spend about half my time, he spends two-thirds of his time, and she spends a quarter, or maybe a third, of her time on research.
When separating items in a list, a writer should:
A _________ is used to connect words or word parts.
Hyphen
Which best explains the writer's use of punctuation in the sentence: 'We're performing a scene from my favorite book (the second in the trilogy)'?
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Which interpretation best reflects your understanding of what the sentence 'Claire Jackson and Lena ordered fruit salad and iced tea at the café' means?
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What is the definition of nonrestrictive?
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What is the definition of restrictive?
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What revision is necessary for the sentence 'Thomas Jefferson who was born in Virginia wrote the Declaration of Independence'?
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I made hamburgers ________ and green beans for dinner.
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What revision is necessary for the sentence 'Tiana will invite her uncles, Mrs.Hernandez and Ms.Gilbert'?
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Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
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Use a hyphen when writing out the names of numbers between 21 to 99 or writing out fractions.
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Which sentences need a hyphen?
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Which sentences do not need a hyphen?
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What types of punctuation can be used to set off nonrestrictive elements in a sentence? Check all that apply.
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No revision is needed for the sentence 'Blueberries (my favorite fruit) are delicious on oatmeal.'
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No revision is needed for the sentence 'Jasmine's cousin, a native of Salt Lake City, is a competitive ballroom dancer.'
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What revision is necessary for the sentence 'Cougars which can live in many climates are skilled hunters'?
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Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?
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Study Notes
Punctuation Usage
- Use a hyphen for compound numbers, such as "two-thirds" and in fractions.
- A comma is needed before "and" in a list for clarity.
- A hyphen connects words or parts of words.
Nonrestrictive vs. Restrictive Elements
- Nonrestrictive elements are set off by commas or parentheses and provide additional information that is not essential to the main meaning.
- Restrictive elements are essential to the meaning of the sentence and do not require commas.
Parentheses and Commas
- Parentheses can de-emphasize nonrestrictive elements in a sentence.
- Clauses identified as nonrestrictive must be set off by commas.
Correct Punctuation Examples
- Sentences punctuated correctly include those that properly use commas and parentheses, e.g., "Gabriel will travel to Peru (where his mother was born) next month."
- Colons can introduce lists effectively, e.g., "My school offers four science classes: chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science."
Comma Use in Complex Sentences
- Commas should be used to separate items and clarify lists within sentences.
- In sentences with nonrestrictive clauses, such as "Thomas Jefferson, who was born in Virginia, wrote the Declaration of Independence," commas are necessary.
Testing Punctuation Knowledge
- Check understanding by identifying correct and incorrect uses of punctuation across several sentences.
- Different punctuation options, like dashes, commas, and parentheses, can set off nonrestrictive elements.
Avoiding Common Punctuation Errors
- Be cautious of improper comma usage, especially in complex lists and between items.
- Ensure hyphens are correctly used in written fractions and numbers, for example, "Twenty-six" and "in eighty-two days."
Types of Punctuation
- Dashes, commas, and parentheses can be utilized to set off nonrestrictive elements in sentences.
- Regularly assessing sentence structure helps maintain clarity and proper punctuation use.
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Description
Test your knowledge of punctuation through interactive flashcards. This quiz covers the correct usage of hyphens and commas in various sentence structures. Improve your writing skills by mastering punctuation nuances.
