Misuse of Commas

Commas are signals that help readers understand meaning. The misuse of commas is the most common error in written English.

This activity contains 10 questions.

Select the answer that correctly identifies whether an additional comma is or is not needed.

The policies for attendance, make-up work, exams, and project due dates(a) are listed in the course syllabus.

	comma at (a)
	no additional comma needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places in which a comma or commas are needed.

Studying at home really(a) tests my power of concentration; I have to block out my toddler asking(b)"What doin', Mommy?" every(c) few minutes.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (b)
	comma at (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

As the eldest student in most of my classes(a) I have discovered(b) that I often place unnecessary pressure on myself(c) to excel just because of my age.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (b)
	comma at (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

The printer really made a difference for Stan(a) for(b) he could rewrite his papers several times before handing them in(c) because it only took a minute to print each draft.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (b)
	comma at (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

Instructors often recommend(a) that students use a chapter summary(b) as a way to preview chapter content(c) and to select important information.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (b)
	comma at (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

Sandra quickly realized that membership(a) in the student senate(b) would provide leadership opportunities(c) and social connections.

	comma at (a) and (b)
	comma at (b)
	comma at (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

Seniors(a) juniors(b) and even sophomores(c) would benefit from this instructional video on selecting a college.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (a) and (b)
	comma at (a) and (b) and (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

The instructor held extra office hours(a) for a week to work with students(b) on their writing(c) and test-taking skills.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (a) and (b)
	comma at (a) and (b) and (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

On many community college campuses(a) women(b) who are returning to college(c) choose to join the organization Women in Transition.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (a) and (b)
	comma at (a) and (b) and (c)
	no commas needed

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.

The Pear computer, of course(a) is quite popular among educators; consequently, computer software companies(b) continue to write software(c) for the Pear.

	comma at (a)
	comma at (a) and (b)
	comma at (a) and (b) and (c)
	no commas needed

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Misuse of Commas

Select the answer that correctly identifies whether an additional comma is or is not needed. The policies for attendance, make-up work, exams, and project due dates(a) are listed in the course syllabus.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places in which a comma or commas are needed.Studying at home really(a) tests my power of concentration; I have to block out my toddler asking(b)"What doin', Mommy?" every(c) few minutes.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.As the eldest student in most of my classes(a) I have discovered(b) that I often place unnecessary pressure on myself(c) to excel just because of my age.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.The printer really made a difference for Stan(a) for(b) he could rewrite his papers several times before handing them in(c) because it only took a minute to print each draft.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.Instructors often recommend(a) that students use a chapter summary(b) as a way to preview chapter content(c) and to select important information.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.Sandra quickly realized that membership(a) in the student senate(b) would provide leadership opportunities(c) and social connections.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.Seniors(a) juniors(b) and even sophomores(c) would benefit from this instructional video on selecting a college.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.The instructor held extra office hours(a) for a week to work with students(b) on their writing(c) and test-taking skills.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.On many community college campuses(a) women(b) who are returning to college(c) choose to join the organization Women in Transition.

Select the answer that correctly identifies the place or places at which a comma or commas are needed.The Pear computer, of course(a) is quite popular among educators; consequently, computer software companies(b) continue to write software(c) for the Pear.