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Comma - English language punctuation - class - VII

Description: comma - English language punctuation
Number of Questions: 36
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Tags: punctuation english
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State whether true or false:
Commas are used to mark off words addressing people.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The statement is true. We use commas to mark off words addressing people.
For example:
Come in, Priya. 

The following sentence is correctly punctuated:
We bought food plates balloons and cake for the party.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The statement is false because the sentence is not punctuated correctly. We use a comma to separate a series of words in a list. So the correctly punctuated sentence would be:
We bought food, plates, balloons and cake for the party.

The following sentence is correctly punctuated:
Maya said "I don't know who you're talking about." 

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The sentence is false because we need to use a comma before introducing a direct quotation. So, the correctly punctuated sentence would be: 
Maya said, "I don't know who you're talking about." 

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. Sarah's uncle's car was found without its wheels in that old derelict warehouse.

  2. Sarah's uncle's car was found without its wheels in that old, derelict warehouse.

  3. Sarahs uncles car was found without its wheels in that old, derelict warehouse.

  4. Sarah's uncle's car was found without it's wheels in that old, derelict warehouse.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Comma indicates a smaller pause. It is used to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable. In the given sentence, 'old' and 'derelict' are the two adjectives used for warehouse. Thus, comma is used to separate them. We can also use 'derelict, old warehouse' as the adjectives are interchangeable. Apostrophe is correctly used as 'Sarah's and Uncle's in option B since it is used here to show possession. Hence, option B is correct. 

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. We decided to visit: Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy's mountains.

  2. We decided to visit Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italys mountains.

  3. We decided to visit Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy's mountains.

  4. We decided to visit Spain Greece Portugal and Italy's mountains.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Apostrophe is correctly used as Italy's in option C since it is used here to show possession. Comma indicates a smaller pause. It is used to separate words or word groups in a simple series. In the given sentence, four different subjects 'Spain', 'Greece', 'Portugal' and 'Italy' are correctly separated by comma in option C. Hence, the correct option is C.


Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. She always enjoyed sweets, chocolate, marshmallows and toffee apples.

  2. She always enjoyed: sweets, chocolate, marshmallows and toffee apples.

  3. She always enjoyed sweets chocolate marshmallows and toffee apples.

  4. She always enjoyed sweet's, chocolate, marshmallow's and toffee apple's.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Comma indicates a smaller pause. It is used to separate words or word groups in a simple series. In the given sentence, four different subjects 'sweets', 'chocolate', 'marshmallows' and 'toffee apples' are separated by comma. Hence, A is the correct option. 

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. Paul's neighbours were terrible; so his brother's friends went round to have a word.

  2. Paul's neighbours were terrible: so his brother's friends went round to have a word.

  3. Paul's neighbours were terrible, so his brother's friends went round to have a word.

  4. Paul's neighbours were terrible so his brother's friends went round to have a word.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The given sentence has two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (here, 'so') to join two independent clauses whereas, a semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
A colon (:) is used to separate two clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. 
According to the given reason, Options A,B and D can be termed incorrect and the correct answer is Option C.


Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

  1. Tims gran, a formidable woman, always bought him chocolate, cakes, sweets and a nice fresh apple.

  2. Tim's gran a formidable woman always bought him chocolate, cakes, sweets, and a nice fresh apple.

  3. Tim's gran, a formidable woman, always bought him chocolate cakes sweets and a nice fresh apple.

  4. Tim's gran, a formidable woman, always bought him chocolate, cakes, sweets, and a nice fresh apple.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Apostrophe is correctly used as Tim's in option D since it is used here to show possession. Comma is used to separate words or word groups in a simple series. In the given sentence, four different subjects 'chocolate', 'cakes', 'sweets' and 'fresh apple' are separated by comma correctly in option D. Comma is also used to set off name, nick name, term of endearment or title of a person directly addressed. 'A formidable woman' term is used as endearment or to describe Tim's gran thus option D is correct. Hence, correct option is D.   


Finally after much trial and error, the scientists succeeded in their experiments.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined phrase.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Finally after, much trial and error,

  3. Finally, after much trial and error,

  4. Finally, after much trial and error


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, an introductory adverbial element must be followed by a comma. Thus, in the given sentence, the word 'finally' is an adverb and must be followed by a comma.
A comma is also required when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. Thus, placing a comma after the dependent clause in the given sentence is necessary. 
The correct answer is Option C.

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. Our Father in Heaven

  2. Our Father, in Heaven

  3. Our Father, in Heaven,

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
In the given sentence, 'Our Father in Heaven' is used as one name. According to general rule, when several words in their common order are used as one compound name, a comma is not inserted. However, a compound name is followed by a comma.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option D, no change.

"That will be all," the teacher told her students.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. all"

  3. ,all,"

  4. ,all"


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, commas and punctuations that are part of the overall sentence go inside the quotation marks, even though they aren't part of the original quotation. Therefore, according to the rule, the correct answer will be Option A.

 

 


Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

She was always happy and energetic positive and creative.

  1. happy, energetic, positive, creative.

  2. happy and energetic, positive and creative.

  3. happy, energetic, positive, and creative ...

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
In the given sentence, adjectives in succession describe the qualities of the person. 
According to general rule, when successive words are joined in pairs by conjunctions, they should be separated in pairs by the comma. Therefore, the correct answer will be Option B.
Option C - An ellipsis is used to indicate that words have been left out so, the usage of ellipsis in the given sentence is not appropriate.

To be a great judge is to show mercy not harshness.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part in the above-mentioned sentence.

  1. show, mercy not

  2. show, mercy, not

  3. show mercy, not

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, if the dependent clause is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, it should be set off with a comma. 
In the given sentence it says, 'To be a great judge is to show mercy', even if we omit the remaining part the sentence will still hold its meaning. 
Therefore, according to the rule, the correct answer will be Option C.

She should have paid at the very least, a small sum of money in compensation.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. paid at the very least

  2. paid, at the very least,

  3. paid, at the very least

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The given sentence is an example of complex-compound sentences. In such sentences, when a dependent clause (here, 'at the very least') occurs between two independent clauses and applies only to the second, the dependent clause should be set off with commas.
Thus, according to the rule, the correct answer will be Option B.

That he could win the championship trophy, no one ever questioned.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. trophy no one

  3. trophy no one,

  4. trophy no, one


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
In case of complex sentences, when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, it should be separated using a comma. Therefore, according to the rule, the given sentence is correctly punctuated.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
The remaining options are not accurate according to the rule.

He visited and brought me flowers.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. visited; and

  2. visited, and

  3. visited - and

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The given sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, 'and'. According to general rule, a comma must be used before the coordinate conjunction, that joins two independent clauses. Thus, the correct answer will be Option B. 
An em dash is always more emphatic than commas, which is not required in the sentence.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinate conjunction is omitted. 

Your Majesty - please accept this book as a gift from our country.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. Your Majesty, please

  2. Your Majesty please

  3. Your Majesty; please

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, when directly addressing someone,  the person's name or title should be set off with commas.
Therefore, in the given sentence, the use of the dash will be incorrect. The title must be followed by a comma.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.

Replace the underlined words with a suitable option:
When I was a student - I carried a packed lunch to school everyday.

  1. student; I

  2. student I

  3. student, I

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The given sentence can be divided into adverbial clause and the main clause. The adverbial clause begins with a subordinating conjunction. In this case, a comma must be placed in order to separate the adverbial clause from the main clause.
The en dash can be used between words to represent conflict, relation or direction. However, its use is not required in the given sentence.
A semi colon can only be used with independent clauses.
Thus, the correct answer must be Option C.

Martin, having worked for thirty years - retired to his countryside villa.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words in the above-mentioned sentence.

  1. Martin having worked for thirty years, retired

  2. Martin, having worked for thirty years, retired

  3. Martin having worked for thirty years retired

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The phrase 'having worked for thirty years' is used to modify or illustrate the noun, Martin. So, it is known as the participle phrase. 
According to the rule, a comma must be used to separate the participle clause from the main clause. Thus, the correct answer is Option B.
The usage of a dash in the sentence do not bring out the intended meaning.

The sea being choppy the ship sailed to a closer port.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. choppy, the ship

  2. choppy; the ship

  3. choppy - the ship

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
In the given sentence, the words 'the sea being choppy' act as the nominative absolute. It is a free-standing part of the sentence, that describes the subject and the verb. It always takes a comma after it when it begins the sentence.
Therefore, the sentence requires a comma after the word 'choppy'.
Thus, the correct answer must be Option A.

Then, when the dust settled, they began to calculate their profits and losses.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. Then when the dust settled, they

  2. Then, when the dust settled they

  3. Then, when the dust settled - they

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
When non restrictive or nonessential information comes in between the sentence, rather than at the end of, it should be set off using a pair of commas. In the given sentence, the nonessential or nonrestrictive information, 'when the dust settled' should be set off with a pair of commas.
The en dash is used to represent conflict and connection between sentences.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D, no change.

William Shakespeare, the great English playwright was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. Shakespeare, the great English playwright,

  2. Shakespeare the great English playwright,

  3. Shakespeare, the great, English playwright

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
In the given sentence, Shakespeare has been described as the great English playwright. In such sentence, when a degree or certification is shown after a person's name, it should be set off with commas.
Therefore, in this sentence, a pair of commas should be used around 'the great English playwright'.
The correct answer will be Option A.

Sports players, who usually follow strict nutritional guidelines try to avoid sugar as often as they can.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. players, who usually follow strict nutritional guidelines,

  2. players, who usually follow strict nutritional guidelines -

  3. players who usually follow strict nutritional guidelines,

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, when the nonrestrictive or nonessential information is found within the sentence, rather than at the end of it, it should be set off using a pair of commas. In the given sentence, the words 'who usually follow strict nutritional guidelines' should be set off using commas on either side, as it can be termed as non-restrictive information.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option A.
A dash is used to denote an unexpected or emphatic pause.

When I was in the early stages of my career - I worked in a town far from home.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. career I

  2. career, I

  3. career; I

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The given sentence can be identified as a complex sentence. In such sentences, if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is used to separate it. Thus, in the given sentence, a comma should be used in place of a dash.
A dash is used to create an emphasis or to produce an informal tone.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinate conjunction is omitted.
The correct answer is Option B.

All that we have from time immemorial considered righteous and holy has now been desecrated.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. righteous, and holy, has

  2. righteous and holy, has

  3. righteous, and holy has

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, a comma must be used to separate a long compound subject from the verb. In the given sentence, a comma must be placed before the verb and the adjoining verb to enhance the meaning of the sentence.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
A comma must be used before 'and' only when it joins two independent clauses.

The Prime Minister visited the people - whose homes had been devastated by the typhoon.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. people, whose

  2. people whose

  3. people; whose

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
If the clause following a word (here, 'whose') cannot stand without it, a comma or any punctuation is not required. The usage of a punctuation depends upon the clauses and not single words.
Therefore, the given sentence does not require the use of any punctuation.

Rich and poor, parents and children, families and individuals, were all affected by the floods.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. Rich, poor, parents, children, families, individuals were

  2. Rich and poor, parents and children, families and individuals were

  3. Rich and poor; parents and children; families and individuals; were

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, when successive words are joined in pairs by conjunctions, they should be separated in pairs by the comma. In the given sentence, different groups of people have been described using adjectives in pairs. 
Thus, according to the rule, the answer will be Option D, no change.

Francis lived in California; Barry in Michigan.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. Barry, in Michigan.

  2. Barry in, Michigan.

  3. Barry - in Michigan.

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two parallel sentences with no conjunction between them. In such a case, a semi colon is used to join them. 
The second half of the sentence consists of two dependent elements but the conjunction is left out. So, a comma must be used between the elements to separate them.
Thus, the correct will be Option A.
An em dash is used when the sentence calls for a more emphatic tone, which is not the case in the given sentence.

"Please, Sir," said Oliver "I want some more."

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. "Please Sir," said Oliver, "I want some more."

  2. "Please, Sir," said Oliver, "I want some more."

  3. "Please Sir," said Oliver; "I want some more."

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, a quotation, observation, or description, when it is introduced in close dependence on a verb is generally separated from the rest of the sentence by the comma. 
Using a comma after the word 'Please' in the given sentence is required for a pause.
Thus, the correct form of writing the sentence will be as in, Option B.
The usage of a semi colon is not correct in the given sentence.

He was not however able to find a new teacher.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

  1. not however, able

  2. not, however able

  3. not, however, able

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The word 'however' in the given sentence is an adverb. According to general rule, when adverbs break the connection of a simple sentence or when they do not have a close dependence on some particular words in a context, they should be set off with commas. 
Since, in the given sentence, the adverb appears in between, it should be set off using a pair of commas on either side. Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, which are a kind of highly specialized branch.

  1. areoles;

  2. areoles -

  3. areoles

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two parts, the main clause and the non restrictive phrase that adds extra information about the noun phrase. As a general rule, a comma is used before 'which' when it introduces a non restrictive phrase. Thus, the correct answer must be Option D.
Option A - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
Option B - The en dash issued to represent a span or range of numbers, dates or time.

 

The cathedrals we considered the most glorious examples of architecture; now lie crumbling.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. architecture now

  2. architecture, now

  3. architecture - now

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
When a sentence comprises of a long subject followed by a verb, a comma should be placed immediately before the verb. Like in the given sentence, the subject is rather long followed by the verb. Therefore, a comma must be used in place of the semi colon. Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
The hyphen is used to form certain compound terms.

The decorators painted the room; and the upholsterers refurbished the furniture.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. room, and

  2. room - and

  3. room and

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, 'and'. According to general rule, a comma must be used before the coordinate conjunction, that joins two independent clauses. Thus, the correct answer will be Option A. 
An em dash is always more emphatic than commas, which is not required in the sentence.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinate conjunction is omitted. 


Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens, avoided the open-air areas on account of the rains.

  1. Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens

  2. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens,

  3. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, when descriptive information is found within, rather than at the end of a sentence, it should be set off with a pair of commas. 
In the given sentence, the phrase 'who usually enjoy the gardens' is the descriptive information. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

How we are to acquire three new players in a week, is the big question.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. week is

  2. week - is

  3. week; is

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
In our usual speech patterns, we sometimes place clauses in a particular manner for greater emphasis. So, in writing a comma is required for a pause at the place of emphasis. Thus, the correct answer is Option D, no change.
Option A is incorrect, as it does not include the required punctuation.
Option B and C are also incorrect. A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted whereas, a dash is used to connect closely related independent clauses.

To accomplish them, some goals require not skill but patience.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. skill; but

  2. skill, but

  3. skill - but

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A comma is often required to eliminate confusion or the misreading of a sentence, even if a comma would not normally be called for. Like in the given sentence, the comma is put before the coordinating conjunction, 'but' for a pause and more emphasis.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
A semi colon is put between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. 
The em dash is used to put a more emphasis in comparison to a comma, which is not needed in the given sentence..
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