Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas - PSAT Writing
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although he initially refused to go to the cinema, James finally saw the movie, that his friends had recommended. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although he initially refused to go to the cinema, James finally saw the movie, that his friends had recommended. No error
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Commas, gramatically speaking, should never be used before or after the word "that." The correct sentence would have: "James finally saw the movie that his friends . . ."
"Had recommended" could be changed to "recommended", for the sake of simplicity, but the comma error is more flagrant.
Commas, gramatically speaking, should never be used before or after the word "that." The correct sentence would have: "James finally saw the movie that his friends . . ."
"Had recommended" could be changed to "recommended", for the sake of simplicity, but the comma error is more flagrant.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Istanbul, despite being an old city has recently been the site of major commercial developments hoping to bring international business to the country. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Istanbul, despite being an old city has recently been the site of major commercial developments hoping to bring international business to the country. No error
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Here "despite being an old city" needs to be separated by the main clause by two commas, not just one.
Here "despite being an old city" needs to be separated by the main clause by two commas, not just one.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I stayed up late last night baking chocolate chip cookies, this morning when I woke up the house smelled so good that it made me hungry. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I stayed up late last night baking chocolate chip cookies, this morning when I woke up the house smelled so good that it made me hungry. No error
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This is a run-on sentence. The two independent clauses need to be split into two separate sentences, or separated by a semicolon.
This is a run-on sentence. The two independent clauses need to be split into two separate sentences, or separated by a semicolon.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The eldest male dog became awfully selfish during feeding time, he would not even let his own pups get a scrap of food. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The eldest male dog became awfully selfish during feeding time, he would not even let his own pups get a scrap of food. No error
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Two independent clauses that can each stand alone must be separated by either a period or a semicolon, or connected by a comma followed by a conjunction. Because this sentence doesn't include a conjunction like "and" after its comma, it is incorrect. (This error, where two independent clauses are incorrectly connected by a comma, is known as a "comma splice.")
Two independent clauses that can each stand alone must be separated by either a period or a semicolon, or connected by a comma followed by a conjunction. Because this sentence doesn't include a conjunction like "and" after its comma, it is incorrect. (This error, where two independent clauses are incorrectly connected by a comma, is known as a "comma splice.")
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The city’s youth take great pride in the local music scene, there are popular concerts every weekend. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The city’s youth take great pride in the local music scene, there are popular concerts every weekend. No error
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This sentence has a comma splice, which means that it has two independent clauses separated only by a comma. A semicolon is appropriate here. The corrected sentence reads, "The city’s youth take great pride in the local music scene; there are popular concerts every weekend."
This sentence has a comma splice, which means that it has two independent clauses separated only by a comma. A semicolon is appropriate here. The corrected sentence reads, "The city’s youth take great pride in the local music scene; there are popular concerts every weekend."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Thomas had always struggled with trigonometry, he thought that circles should remain circles and let triangles and squiggles be their own shapes. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Thomas had always struggled with trigonometry, he thought that circles should remain circles and let triangles and squiggles be their own shapes. No error
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This sentence is an example of a run-on or comma splice. It has two independent clauses separated only by a comma. One way to fix this is to change the comma to a semicolon; if this were to be done, the corrected sentence would read, "Thomas had always struggled with trigonometry; he thought that circles should remain circles and let triangles and squiggles be their own shapes."
This sentence is an example of a run-on or comma splice. It has two independent clauses separated only by a comma. One way to fix this is to change the comma to a semicolon; if this were to be done, the corrected sentence would read, "Thomas had always struggled with trigonometry; he thought that circles should remain circles and let triangles and squiggles be their own shapes."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The kids at the pumpkin patch screeched and spun around in circles all day, they bothered their teacher tremendously. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The kids at the pumpkin patch screeched and spun around in circles all day, they bothered their teacher tremendously. No error
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This is an example of a comma splice. The two independent clauses should be separated by a period, a semi-colon, or a comma and a conjunction, not by just a comma, which is used to separate independent and dependent clauses.
This is an example of a comma splice. The two independent clauses should be separated by a period, a semi-colon, or a comma and a conjunction, not by just a comma, which is used to separate independent and dependent clauses.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Car, bicycle, and bus are the only means of transportation in this city, there is no metro system available yet. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Car, bicycle, and bus are the only means of transportation in this city, there is no metro system available yet. No error
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A comma should only be used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause: here it is separating two independent clauses, so a period or semi-colon is more appropritate.
A comma should only be used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause: here it is separating two independent clauses, so a period or semi-colon is more appropritate.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Anna, questioning her decision, looked to her brother, however he wouldn't meet her eye. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Anna, questioning her decision, looked to her brother, however he wouldn't meet her eye. No error
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The clause, "however, he wouldn't meet her eye," is an independent clause and must be separated by a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction.
The clause, "however, he wouldn't meet her eye," is an independent clause and must be separated by a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
At the insistence of the manager, the entire team dropped the project immediately_;_ the project leader however, continued her work without interruption. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
At the insistence of the manager, the entire team dropped the project immediately_;_ the project leader however, continued her work without interruption. No error
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The word "however" here is considered a non-essential phrase: it can be removed, leaving a complete sentence. So it must be surrounded with commas: "The project leader, however, continued . . ."
The word "however" here is considered a non-essential phrase: it can be removed, leaving a complete sentence. So it must be surrounded with commas: "The project leader, however, continued . . ."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Finally the teacher returned our papers, and despite our initial worries, we discovered all of us had received passing marks. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Finally the teacher returned our papers, and despite our initial worries, we discovered all of us had received passing marks. No error
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Here, "finally" is considered an introductory word, so it must be followed by a comma: "Finally, the teacher . . ."
Here, "finally" is considered an introductory word, so it must be followed by a comma: "Finally, the teacher . . ."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite disinterest in school elections, the majority of the students voted Shindra the treasurer, president of the student government. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite disinterest in school elections, the majority of the students voted Shindra the treasurer, president of the student government. No error
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"The treasurer" here is an appositive: it renames or restates Shindra in different words, and it should be surrounded with commas. The correct sentence should be: "the students voted Shindra, the treasurer, president . . ."
"The treasurer" here is an appositive: it renames or restates Shindra in different words, and it should be surrounded with commas. The correct sentence should be: "the students voted Shindra, the treasurer, president . . ."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Perdita the lost princess, was found and raised by a shepherd. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Perdita the lost princess, was found and raised by a shepherd. No error
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Commas should be used to set off the phrase "the lost princess," as it is in apposition to (gives a description of) the subject Perdita, but the sentence still makes sense without it. So, "Perdita the lost princess," contains the sentence's error, and the sentence should read, "Perdita, the lost princess, was found and raised by a shepherd."
Commas should be used to set off the phrase "the lost princess," as it is in apposition to (gives a description of) the subject Perdita, but the sentence still makes sense without it. So, "Perdita the lost princess," contains the sentence's error, and the sentence should read, "Perdita, the lost princess, was found and raised by a shepherd."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If you decide to go to the beach make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin! No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If you decide to go to the beach make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin! No error
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The phrase "If you decide to go to the beach" is an introductory phrase, and all introductory phrases need to be set apart from the rest of the sentence by a comma. So, after being corrected, the sentence would read, "If you decide to go to the beach, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin!"
The phrase "If you decide to go to the beach" is an introductory phrase, and all introductory phrases need to be set apart from the rest of the sentence by a comma. So, after being corrected, the sentence would read, "If you decide to go to the beach, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin!"
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Daisy and her sister, Margot, shared a large family but a special relationship; even among their numerous older and younger sisters, Margot, and Daisy had a special bond. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Daisy and her sister, Margot, shared a large family but a special relationship; even among their numerous older and younger sisters, Margot, and Daisy had a special bond. No error
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Because the sentence states that Margot is not Daisy's only sister, the commas and which frame her name in "their numerous older and younger sisters, Margot, and Daisy" are incorrect. The comma that sets apart Margot's name at the beginning of the sentence ("Daisy and her sister, Margot, shared") is correctly used, because here, Margot is being specified as Daisy's sister in an appositive phrase that renames "her sister" as "Margot."
Because the sentence states that Margot is not Daisy's only sister, the commas and which frame her name in "their numerous older and younger sisters, Margot, and Daisy" are incorrect. The comma that sets apart Margot's name at the beginning of the sentence ("Daisy and her sister, Margot, shared") is correctly used, because here, Margot is being specified as Daisy's sister in an appositive phrase that renames "her sister" as "Margot."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Carlos, Jim, and their sister, decided not to visit the old shack by the beach; instead, they stayed home and shared ghost stories in the dark. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Carlos, Jim, and their sister, decided not to visit the old shack by the beach; instead, they stayed home and shared ghost stories in the dark. No error
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A comma should never end a list: "Carlos, Jim, and their sister decided . . ."
A comma should never end a list: "Carlos, Jim, and their sister decided . . ."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Sarah wanted to arrive at the store in time to buy the fresh bread cereal, and chocolate sauce. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Sarah wanted to arrive at the store in time to buy the fresh bread cereal, and chocolate sauce. No error
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Without a comma to make the "fresh bread" an item on the list, the item is unclear: is "fresh bread cereal" an item, or "fresh bread?" We need a comma to clarify.
Without a comma to make the "fresh bread" an item on the list, the item is unclear: is "fresh bread cereal" an item, or "fresh bread?" We need a comma to clarify.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Bill, Jane and Jared went to the movies every Sunday afternoon; they liked to sit at the back of the movie theatre because it offered the best view. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Bill, Jane and Jared went to the movies every Sunday afternoon; they liked to sit at the back of the movie theatre because it offered the best view. No error
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The phrase “Bill, Jane and Jared” should be “Bill, Jane, and Jarred” because the friend’s names are presented as a list. Words, clauses, or phrases in a series should always be separated by a comma. The sentence “Bill and Jane went to the movies” does not require a comma, but adding the third name, Jared, requires a comma between the three names. Be sure to note that there is no comma after the last word or phrase in the sequence.
The phrase “Bill, Jane and Jared” should be “Bill, Jane, and Jarred” because the friend’s names are presented as a list. Words, clauses, or phrases in a series should always be separated by a comma. The sentence “Bill and Jane went to the movies” does not require a comma, but adding the third name, Jared, requires a comma between the three names. Be sure to note that there is no comma after the last word or phrase in the sequence.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Mr. Williams has a number of diverse interests, including skateboarding, and playing video games. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Mr. Williams has a number of diverse interests, including skateboarding, and playing video games. No error
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There should not be a comma between the words “skateboarding” and “and.” In other words, the second part of the sentence should read “including skateboarding and playing video games.” This is because there are only two interests listed. A comma should only be used in lists containing three or more items.
There should not be a comma between the words “skateboarding” and “and.” In other words, the second part of the sentence should read “including skateboarding and playing video games.” This is because there are only two interests listed. A comma should only be used in lists containing three or more items.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
By the end of the night, Derrick could tell that all the guests were full, happy and tired; the party had truly been a success. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
By the end of the night, Derrick could tell that all the guests were full, happy and tired; the party had truly been a success. No error
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Since the list "full, happy, and tired" has more than 2 items, each item before the last item must be separated using a comma. Inserting a comma after "happy" will make this sentence correct, so the underlined phrase "happy and" must be changed. Note that a semicolon is correctly used to separate two independent clauses from one another in this sentence.
Since the list "full, happy, and tired" has more than 2 items, each item before the last item must be separated using a comma. Inserting a comma after "happy" will make this sentence correct, so the underlined phrase "happy and" must be changed. Note that a semicolon is correctly used to separate two independent clauses from one another in this sentence.