English Dashes Hyphens and Ellipses

Correctly punctuate this sentence:
Harold is an excellent singer and he can dance all of the latest demonstrate moves.

• Harold is an excellent singer and, he can demonstrate all of the latest dance moves.
• Harold is an excellent singer and he can demonstrate all of the latest dance moves.
• Harold is an excellent singer, and he can demonstrate all of the latest dance moves.
• Harold, is an excellent singer, and he can demonstrate all of the latest dance moves.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Correctly punctuate this sentence:
I want Harold to show me how to dance but I’m afraid to ask him.

• I want Harold to show me how to dance but I’m afraid to ask him.
• I want Harold to show me how to dance, but I’m afraid to ask him.
• I want Harold to show me how to dance but I’m afraid to ask him.
• I want Harold to show me how to dance but I’m afraid, to ask him.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• Jim is very bold, and smart but he doesn't always say nice things to people. 
• Jim is very bold and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people. 
• Jim, is very bold and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people. 
• Jim is very bold, and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people. 

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• I went to the store and bought apples, oranges and bananas. 
• I went to the store and bought apples, oranges, and, bananas. 
• I went to the store, and bought apples oranges and bananas. 
• I went to the store and bought apples, oranges, and bananas. 

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• Since I was absent on Tuesday, I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
• Since, I was absent on Tuesday I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
• Since I was absent, on Tuesday, I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
• Since I was absent on Tuesday, I have a lot, of make-up work to do. 

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• Jake, my black and white cat, loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
• Jake my black and white cat, loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
• Jake my black, and white cat, loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
• Jake, my black and white cat loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Why is the em dash used in this sentence?
" I found my journal in my brother's room— after he had read the best parts. 

• to emphasize that the brother read the best parts of the journal
• to show the end of the sentence does not belong with the beginning
• because it is an independent clause
• because the writer now hates his brother

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Insert dashes where needed, if needed.
There was only one person suited to the job Mr. Lee

• There was only one person-- suited for the job Mr. Lee.
• There was only one person suited for the job--Mr. Lee
• There was only one person suited for--the job Mr. Lee

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Insert dashes where needed, if needed.
The only thing Felix could do if he could do anything was to sit and wait for the results

• The only thing Felix could do if he could do anything--was to sit and wait for the results.
• The only thing Felix could do if he could do anything was to sit and wait for the results.
• The only thing Felix could do--if he could do anything--was to sit and wait for the results
• The only thing--Felix--could do if he could do anything was to sit and wait for the results.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Insert dashes where needed, if needed.
The first time I went skating and the time I first  broke my leg is when I broke up with my girlfriend.

• The first time I went skating--and the time I first broke my leg--was when I broke up with my girlfriend.
• The first time I went skating and the time I first broke my leg was when I broke up with my girlfriend.
• The first time I went skating and the time I first broke my leg was-- when I broke up with my girlfriend.
• The first time I went--skating--and the time I first--broke my leg was when--I broke up with my girlfriend.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A