Valentine's Day Parenthetical Punctuation Practice

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Chocolate which became associated with Valentine's Day in the 1800s remains a popular gift.

• Chocolate, which became associated with Valentine's Day in the 1800s, remains a popular gift.

• Chocolate which became, associated with Valentine's Day in the 1800s, remains a popular gift.

• Chocolate, which became associated with Valentine's Day, in the 1800s remains a popular gift.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is "Chocolate, which became associated with Valentine's Day in the 1800s, remains a popular gift." It properly uses commas to set off the non-restrictive clause, providing additional information without altering the main idea.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Americans spend, approximately 20.7 billion dollars, on Valentine's Day gifts every year.

• Americans, spend approximately 20.7 billion dollars on, Valentine's Day gifts every year.

• Americans spend approximately $20.7 billion on Valentine's Day gifts, every year.

• Americans spend approximately $20.7 billion on Valentine's Day gifts every year.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'Americans spend approximately $20.7 billion on Valentine's Day gifts every year.' It has no unnecessary commas, ensuring clarity and proper flow.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Victorian-era valentines, often decorated with lace and ribbons, were quite elaborate.

• Victorian-era valentines – often decorated with lace and ribbons, were quite elaborate.

• Victorian-era valentines, often decorated with lace and ribbons were quite elaborate.

• Victorian-era valentines often decorated with lace and ribbons were quite elaborate.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence, "Victorian-era valentines, often decorated with lace and ribbons, were quite elaborate," uses commas correctly to set off the non-essential clause, making it clear and properly punctuated.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• The heart symbol, that we commonly see on Valentine's Day cards represents love and affection.

• The heart symbol that we commonly see on Valentine's Day cards, represents love and affection.

• The heart symbol that we commonly see on Valentine's Day cards represents love and affection.

• The heart symbol, that we commonly see on Valentine's Day cards, represents love and affection.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'The heart symbol that we commonly see on Valentine's Day cards represents love and affection.' It correctly omits unnecessary commas, making the meaning clear and grammatically correct.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Cupid – the Roman god of love, who is considered mischievous in his matchmaking – carries a bow and arrow.

• Cupid the Roman god of love, who is considered mischievous in his matchmaking carries a bow and arrow.

• Cupid – the Roman god of love who is considered mischievous in his matchmaking – carries a bow and arrow.

• Cupid the Roman god of love who is considered mischievous in his matchmaking carries a bow and arrow.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses dashes and a comma properly to set off the non-restrictive clause "who is considered mischievous in his matchmaking." This clarifies that Cupid is the subject while providing additional information.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Roses which are often associated with Valentine's Day, symbolize love and passion.

• Roses, which are often associated with Valentine's Day symbolize love and passion.

• Roses which are often associated with Valentine's Day symbolize love and passion.

• Roses, which are often associated with Valentine's Day, symbolize love and passion.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is: 'Roses, which are often associated with Valentine's Day, symbolize love and passion.' It properly uses commas to set off the non-restrictive clause 'which are often associated with Valentine's Day'.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day for expressing love.

• Valentine's Day celebrated on February 14th is a day for expressing love.

• Valentine's Day celebrated, on February 14th is a day for expressing love.

• Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th is a day for expressing love.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is "Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day for expressing love." It properly uses commas to set off the phrase "celebrated on February 14th," making the sentence clear and correctly punctuated.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• The tradition of sending cards, on Valentine's Day dates back to the 15th century.

• The tradition of sending cards on Valentine's Day, dates back to the 15th century.

• The tradition of sending cards on Valentine's Day dates back to the 15th century.

• The tradition, of sending cards on Valentine's Day dates back to the 15th century.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'The tradition of sending cards on Valentine's Day dates back to the 15th century.' It has no unnecessary commas, making it clear and grammatically correct.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Many couples from teens to senior citizensenjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day.

• Many couples from teens to senior citizens— enjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day.

• Many couples — from teens to senior citizens enjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day.

• Many couples — from teens to senior citizens— enjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'Many couples — from teens to senior citizens— enjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day.' It uses em dashes correctly to set off the phrase, ensuring clarity and proper punctuation.

Which sentence is properly punctuated?

• Flowers especially roses, tulips, and carnations are a popular gift on Valentine's Day.

• Flowers — especially roses tulips and carnations — are a popular gift on Valentine's Day.

• Flowers especially roses tulips and carnations are a popular gift on Valentine's Day.

• Flowers — especially roses, tulips, and carnations — are a popular gift on Valentine's Day.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses em dashes to set off the phrase 'especially roses, tulips, and carnations,' which clarifies the list. The other options lack proper punctuation or clarity.