Commas

Question 1

I took Angie the one with the freckles to the movie last night.

Answer 1

I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night.

Explanation: enclose nonessential material (“the one with the freckles”) in commas.

Question 2

You are I am sure telling the truth.

Answer 2

You are, I am sure, telling the truth.

Explanation: use commas to surround an interrupting expression (“I am sure”).

Question 3

She left Albany New York on January 18 of that year.

Answer 3

She left Albany, New York, on January 18 of that year.

Explanation: use a comma to separate the city from the state and another after the state

Question 4

I need sugar butter and eggs from the grocery store.

Answer 4

I need sugar, butter, and eggs from the grocery store.

Explanation: use commas to separate words and word groups in a series of three or more.

Question 5

Please Sasha come home as soon as you can.

Answer 5

Please, Sasha, come home as soon as you can.

Explanation: use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.

Question 6

Although you may be right I cannot take your word for it.

Answer 6

Although you may be right, I cannot take your word for it.

Explanation: use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence.

Question 7

My oldest sister Maya is the feisty one.

Answer 7

My oldest sister, Maya, is the feisty one.

Explanation: “Maya” is nonessential, so use commas.

Question 8

“Why” I asked “are you still here in Maine?”

I asked why are you still here in Maine?

Answer 8

“Why,” I asked, “are you still here in Maine?”

I asked, “Why are you still here in Maine?”

Explanation: use commas to introduce and to interrupt direct quotations.

Question 9

Ophelia is picking up the food and I am making the centerpieces.

Answer 9

Ophelia is picking up the food, and I am making the centerpieces.

Explanation: use a comma to separate two independent clauses separated by a connector such as and, or, but, etc.

Question 10

Patrick’s name was on the guest list wasn’t it?

Answer 10

Patrick’s name was on the guest list, wasn’t it?

Explanation: use a comma to separate a statement from a question.

Question 11

Yes Mother I did remember to place the bakery order.

Answer 11

Yes, Mother, I did remember to place the bakery order.

Explanation: use a comma to set off someone’s name or a term of endearment.

Question 12

Jackson’s white cat was born in June 2013 at his farm.

Answer 12

Jackson’s white cat was born in June 2013 at his farm.

No comma is necessary here.

Question 13

Jackson’s white cat was born on June 28 2013 at his farm.

Answer 13

Jackson’s white cat was born on June 28, 2013, at his farm.

Explanation: use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year, and remember to put one after the year, also.

Question 14

You may only bring the bare essentials to the exam, i.e. a watch a pencil or a pen paper and a calculator.

Answer 14

You may only bring the bare essentials to the exam, i.e., a watch, a pencil or a pen, paper, and a calculator.

Explanation: use a comma before and after i.e.

Question 15

Pencils pens paper calculators etc. will be provided.

Answer 15

Pencils, pens, paper, calculators, etc., will be provided.

Explanation: use a comma before and after etc.

Question 16

I would be hesitant however to take the trip alone.

Answer 16

I would be hesitant, however, to take the trip alone.

Explanation: when however means “though” or “nonetheless,” it is generally preceded and followed by a comma.