Review: Using Commas, Dashes, 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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

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.

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.