Mastering Comma Usage in English

The video tutorial covers various rules for using commas in English writing. It explains when to use commas with introductory words, phrases, and clauses, and how to insert information into sentences using commas. The tutorial also discusses the use of commas in addresses, dates, and with quotation marks. Examples are provided to illustrate each rule, and the importance of clarity in writing is emphasized.

When should you use a comma after an introductory word or phrase?

• Always, regardless of clarity

• When the introductory element is more than one word

• When it helps to avoid confusion

• Only if the sentence is long

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma after an introductory phrase?

• In the meantime I suggest that you concentrate on passing your exams.

• In the meantime I suggest, that you concentrate on passing your exams.

• In the meantime I, suggest that you concentrate on passing your exams.

• In the meantime, I suggest that you concentrate on passing your exams.

What is the purpose of using commas to insert information into a sentence?

• To make the sentence longer

• To add non-essential information

• To separate two independent clauses

• To change the meaning of the sentence

Which sentence correctly uses commas to insert additional information?

• My neighbors, John and Kim Sullivan, are both professors at the college.

• My neighbors John and Kim Sullivan are both professors at the college.

• My neighbors John and Kim, Sullivan are both professors at the college.

• My neighbors John, and Kim Sullivan are both professors at the college.

How should you separate the street from the city in an address?

• With a dash

• With a comma

• With a period

• With a semicolon

Which of the following is the correct way to write a date with commas?

• He died on August, 18th 1978.

• He died on, August 18th 1978.

• He died on August 18th, 1978.

• He died on August 18th 1978.

When using quotation marks, where should the comma be placed?

• Before the quotation marks

• After the quotation marks

• Inside the quotation marks

• Outside the quotation marks

Which sentence correctly uses a comma with quotation marks?

• "Tomorrow," he said "there will be a test."

• "Tomorrow" he said, "there will be a test."

• "Tomorrow," he said, "there will be a test."

• "Tomorrow" he said "there will be a test."

What is the main purpose of using commas in a sentence?

• To add unnecessary pauses

• To separate verbs from their subjects

• To make the sentence look longer

• To clarify meaning and avoid confusion

Which of the following is NOT a correct use of a comma?

• Before a conjunction in a compound sentence

• Separating items in a list

• Between a subject and its verb

• After an introductory phrase