Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following sentences uses a comma correctly?

Rationale

Before we go, Mom wants us to clean.

This sentence correctly uses a comma to separate the introductory clause "Before we go" from the main clause. The comma enhances readability and clarifies the structure of the sentence, adhering to standard punctuation rules.

A (Before we go, Mom wants us to clean.) CORRECT

This choice correctly employs a comma after the introductory phrase "Before we go," which is necessary to separate it from the main clause. This structure follows the conventional rules of punctuation, making the sentence clear and grammatically correct.

B (The gerbil is loose, it ran out of the classroom.) YOUR ANSWER

This sentence incorrectly uses a comma to connect two independent clauses. It creates a comma splice, which is a grammatical error. Instead, a semicolon or a conjunction should be used to correctly link the two complete thoughts.

C (Yesterday was neither cold, nor windy.) YOUR ANSWER

This sentence incorrectly places a comma before "nor." In this context, no comma is needed between "neither" and "nor" because it connects two related adjectives describing the same subject. The correct phrasing should be "Yesterday was neither cold nor windy."

D (Allison, and Jill started school last week.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice improperly includes a comma before "and." In this case, "Allison and Jill" form a compound subject that does not require a comma. The correct form would be "Allison and Jill started school last week."

Conclusion

The correct use of commas is essential for clear communication in writing. In this case, option A exemplifies proper comma usage by effectively separating an introductory clause from the main clause. The other options illustrate common punctuation errors, such as comma splices and unnecessary commas, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation in sentences.

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