Write three sentences, each using a comma in a different way. Explain why the comma is needed in each sentence. (4 points)
1) I need to pick up some groceries, meet my friend for lunch, and finish my report by this evening.
In this sentence, the comma is needed to separate a list of actions or items. Without the comma, it would be unclear what actions or items are being referred to.
2) The cat, which was gray and fluffy, curled up on the couch and fell asleep.
Here, the comma is used to set off a nonessential clause or phrase "which was gray and fluffy". This clause provides additional information about the cat, but the sentence would still make sense without it.
3) He loves ice cream, so he often visits the local parlor to try new flavors.
In this sentence, the comma is used to separate two independent clauses (He loves ice cream and he often visits the local parlor...). Without the comma, it would be a run-on sentence.
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4) The weather forecast predicts rain tomorrow, but I hope it remains sunny.
In this sentence, the comma is used to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction ("but"). Without the comma, it would be a run-on sentence.
5) After finishing her work, she went for a walk in the park.
Here, the comma is used to separate a dependent clause ("After finishing her work") from the main clause. Without the comma, it would be a fused sentence.
6) The book, written by a famous author, has received rave reviews.
In this sentence, the comma is used to set off a nonessential phrase ("written by a famous author") that provides additional information about the book. The sentence would still be grammatically correct without it.
7) John, my best friend, is coming over for dinner tonight.
The comma is used to set off an appositive phrase ("my best friend") that provides additional information about John. Without the comma, the sentence would imply that the speaker has multiple friends named John.
8) Anna, who has been studying all night, is feeling exhausted.
Here, the comma is used to set off a nonessential relative clause ("who has been studying all night") that provides additional information about Anna. The sentence would still be grammatically correct without it.
9) I will go hiking, as long as the weather permits.
The comma is used to separate a dependent clause ("as long as the weather permits") from the main clause. Without the comma, it would be a fused sentence.
10) The cat, agile and graceful, leaped from the chair to the table.
In this sentence, the comma is used to set off two adjectives ("agile and graceful") that describe the cat. The sentence would still make sense without it, but the comma adds clarity by signaling the separation of descriptive words.
11) My parents are coming over for dinner, and I need to clean the house, prepare the food, and set the table.
The comma is used to separate items in a list, in this case, actions that need to be done. Without the commas, it would be unclear which actions are included in the list.
12) She looked at me with a smile on her face, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Here, the commas are used to set off two descriptive phrases ("with a smile on her face" and "her eyes twinkling with excitement") that provide additional details about how she looked at me. The commas help prevent confusion by separating these phrases from the main clause.
13) He was tired; however, he pushed through and finished the project.
The comma is used to separate two independent clauses that are joined by a conjunctive adverb ("however"). Without the comma, it would be a run-on sentence.
14) The concert, which had been highly anticipated, did not disappoint.
In this sentence, the comma is used to set off a nonessential adjective clause ("which had been highly anticipated") that provides additional information about the concert. The sentence would still be grammatically correct without it.
15) The team practiced in the morning, celebrated their victory in the afternoon, and rested in the evening.
The comma is used to separate items in a list, in this case, actions done by the team. Without the commas, it would be unclear which actions are included in the list.