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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Ace Your ACT Comma Practice Quiz

Improve sentence clarity with targeted practice questions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 11
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art illustrating a trivia quiz on ACT Comma Mastery for high school students.

Which sentence uses the serial comma correctly?
I bought apples oranges, and bananas.
I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
I bought apples, oranges and bananas.
I bought, apples, oranges, and bananas.
The sentence with a comma before 'and' properly applies the serial (Oxford) comma, eliminating ambiguity in the list. This clear separation is the preferred standard in formal writing. The other options either omit the necessary comma or misplace punctuation.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory clause?
After the rain, the garden, flourished.
After, the rain the garden flourished.
After the rain, the garden flourished.
After the rain the garden flourished.
The correct sentence includes a comma immediately after the introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause. This punctuation follows standard rules for introductory elements. The other options either omit the required comma or misplace additional commas.
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a comma for direct address.
Lets eat, grandma!
Let's, eat grandma!
Let's eat, grandma!
Let's eat grandma!
The correct sentence uses a comma to separate 'grandma' as the person being addressed. This punctuation clarifies that the speaker is inviting their grandmother to eat, rather than implying an unintended meaning. The other options either omit the necessary comma or contain punctuation errors.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma to join two independent clauses?
I wanted to go for a walk but it started to rain.
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
I wanted to go for a walk but, it started to rain.
I wanted, to go for a walk but it started to rain.
The sentence correctly inserts a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'but' to link two independent clauses. This conforms to standard punctuation rules for compound sentences. The other options either misplace the comma or omit it entirely.
Which sentence correctly sets off a nonessential appositive with commas?
My brother a skilled musician, performed at the concert.
My brother, a skilled musician, performed at the concert.
My brother a skilled musician performed at the concert.
My brother, a skilled musician performed at the concert.
The correct sentence encloses the nonessential appositive 'a skilled musician' with commas to indicate that it provides extra information. This usage helps clarify that the detail is additional rather than essential to the sentence's meaning. The other options either omit or misplace the necessary commas.
Which sentence correctly punctuates the introductory phrase?
After finishing her homework and cleaning her room, she went out to play.
After finishing her homework and cleaning her room she went out to play.
After finishing her homework, and cleaning her room she went out to play.
After finishing, her homework and cleaning her room, she went out to play.
The correct sentence places a comma after the entire introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause. This adheres to the rule for punctuating long introductory elements. The other options either omit the comma or distribute commas incorrectly.
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a comma to separate coordinate adjectives.
It was a long, exhausting journey.
It was a long, exhausting, journey.
It was a long exhausting journey.
It was a long exhausting, journey.
The sentence correctly places a comma between 'long' and 'exhausting' because both adjectives independently modify the noun 'journey.' This clear separation enhances the descriptive quality. The other versions either omit the comma or add extra punctuation that disrupts the flow.
Which revision corrects the comma splice error by using a semicolon in the sentence 'She loves reading, she writes every day.'?
She loves reading, she writes every day.
She loves reading; she writes every day.
She loves reading, and she writes every day.
She loves reading. She writes every day.
The correct answer uses a semicolon to replace the comma, effectively linking the two independent clauses while avoiding a comma splice. This maintains the compound sentence structure with proper punctuation. The other options fail to meet the specific criterion of using a semicolon.
Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off a nonrestrictive clause?
The movie which was directed by a celebrated filmmaker won several awards.
The movie, which was directed by a celebrated filmmaker, won several awards.
The movie which was directed by a celebrated filmmaker, won several awards.
The movie, which was directed by a celebrated filmmaker won several awards.
The correct sentence sets off the nonrestrictive clause with commas, indicating that the information about the director is supplementary. This punctuation clearly distinguishes the extra detail from the core message. The other options either omit necessary commas or place them incorrectly.
Which sentence correctly sets off a parenthetical element using commas?
My sister surprisingly, arrived on time.
My sister, surprisingly arrived on time.
My sister, surprisingly, arrived on time.
My sister surprisingly arrived on time.
The sentence correctly encloses the parenthetical element 'surprisingly' with commas, separating it from the main clause for clarity. This proper punctuation ensures that the additional remark is clearly distinguished. The other options either miss one of the commas or omit them entirely.
Select the sentence that correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses.
The test was challenging, but the students remained confident.
The test was challenging, but, the students remained confident.
The test was challenging but the students remained confident.
The test was challenging but, the students remained confident.
The correct sentence uses a comma before 'but' to join two independent clauses, adhering to the rules of combining complete thoughts. This clear separation prevents run-on sentences. The other options misplace or neglect the necessary comma.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma to introduce a direct quotation?
John, said 'I will attend the meeting.'
John said 'I will attend the meeting.'
John said: 'I will attend the meeting.'
John said, 'I will attend the meeting.'
The correct sentence uses a comma after 'John said' to introduce the direct quotation, which is the standard format in reported speech. This punctuation clearly signals the beginning of the quoted material. The other options either omit the comma or substitute it with an incorrect punctuation mark.
Which sentence correctly handles comma usage in a compound predicate?
She, picked up her coat and left the house.
She picked up, her coat and left the house.
She picked up her coat, and left the house.
She picked up her coat and left the house.
In a compound predicate, no comma is needed because the subject is the same for both verbs. The correct sentence reflects this rule by not inserting unnecessary punctuation. The other options incorrectly add commas that disrupt the natural flow of the sentence.
Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off a transitional phrase?
In fact the team won the match effortlessly.
In fact, the team won the match effortlessly.
The team, in fact won the match effortlessly.
The team in fact, won the match effortlessly.
The sentence correctly places a comma immediately after the transitional phrase 'In fact,' which separates it from the main clause. This use of punctuation helps highlight the transitional element. The other options either omit or misplace the comma, affecting the sentence's clarity.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma in a comparative structure?
Compared to her peers she, excelled academically.
Compared, to her peers she excelled academically.
Compared to her peers, she excelled academically.
Compared to her peers she excelled academically.
The sentence uses a comma after the introductory comparative phrase 'Compared to her peers' to properly separate it from the main clause. This punctuation ensures the comparison is clearly set apart from the main idea. The other options either leave out the required comma or place commas incorrectly.
Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off a participial phrase modifying the subject?
The students, eager to learn completed the assignment quickly.
The students eager to learn completed the assignment quickly.
The students, eager to learn, completed the assignment quickly.
The students eager to learn, completed the assignment quickly.
The correct sentence encloses the participial phrase 'eager to learn' with commas, correctly modifying the subject 'The students.' This punctuation distinguishes the modifying phrase from the main clause. The other options either omit the necessary commas or misplace them, leading to ambiguity.
Which sentence correctly handles an essential appositive without unnecessary commas?
My friend, Sarah, is joining us tonight.
My friend Sarah, is joining us tonight.
My friend, Sarah is joining us tonight.
My friend Sarah is joining us tonight.
In this sentence, the name 'Sarah' is essential to identifying which friend is being mentioned, so no commas are used. The absence of commas indicates that the appositive is integral to the sentence's meaning. The other options incorrectly treat the appositive as nonessential by adding commas.
Identify the sentence that correctly places commas after multiple introductory elements.
On Sunday morning, after a long sleep, we decided to go hiking.
On Sunday, morning, after a long sleep, we decided to go hiking.
On Sunday morning, after a long sleep we decided, to go hiking.
On Sunday morning after a long sleep we decided to go hiking.
The correct sentence uses commas to neatly separate both introductory elements, ensuring the main action is clearly distinguished. This placement aids readability and maintains proper structure. The other options either omit necessary commas or misplace them, resulting in confusion.
Which sentence correctly applies comma rules for a complex sentence with an introductory phrase, coordinate adjectives, and a nonrestrictive appositive?
After the long, exhausting trip our guide, Mr. Thompson explained, the itinerary clearly.
After the long, exhausting trip our guide Mr. Thompson explained the itinerary clearly.
After the long exhausting trip, our guide Mr. Thompson, explained the itinerary clearly.
After the long, exhausting trip, our guide, Mr. Thompson, explained the itinerary clearly.
This sentence correctly places a comma after the introductory phrase and uses additional commas to set off the nonrestrictive appositive 'Mr. Thompson.' This layered punctuation clearly distinguishes the sentence elements without ambiguity. The other options misplace or omit critical commas.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a complex sentence with a subordinate clause and an interrupting element?
Although it was late and the rain was falling steadily we decided, to continue our drive.
Although it was late and, the rain was falling steadily we decided to continue our drive.
Although it was late, and the rain was falling steadily we decided, to continue our drive.
Although it was late and the rain was falling steadily, we decided to continue our drive.
The correct sentence uses a comma after the subordinate clause to separate it from the main clause, ensuring a smooth and clear sentence structure. This punctuational choice effectively reconciles the complex elements of the sentence. The other options incorrectly insert commas, disrupting the intended flow.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify and apply rules for comma placement in compound and complex sentences.
  2. Analyze sentences to detect common punctuation errors related to comma usage.
  3. Evaluate the impact of correct comma placement on sentence clarity and meaning.
  4. Practice revising sentences to incorporate accurate comma usage in standardized exam contexts.
  5. Utilize targeted practice questions to build confidence in applying comma rules on the ACT.

ACT Comma Practice Cheat Sheet

  1. Oxford comma magic - When you list three or more items, use the Oxford comma before "and" or "or" to keep things crystal clear, like in "apples, oranges, and bananas." This little comma is a superhero for clarity and can save sentences from chaos. Explore Oxford commas
    2. apGuru: Comma Usage
  2. Conjunction Connection - Slide a comma right before your FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when they're joining two complete thoughts, such as "I wanted to go hiking, but it was raining." This trick keeps your sentences from running into each other like wild teenagers at a party. Master FANBOYS rules
    3. PrepScholar: Commas for the ACT
  3. Non-essential clause commas - Wrap non-essential bits in commas when adding extra flavor without changing the sentence's core meaning, like "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting." It tells you more about the noun without messing up the main idea. Set off non-essential info
    4. apGuru: Comma Usage
  4. Intro comma fun - After you lead with a phrase or clause, drop a comma before you jump into the main action, as in "After the meeting, we went to lunch." It's like the drumroll before the main event! Intro phrase guide
    5. GuideToGrammar: Commas
  5. Mind the verb gap - Never wedge a comma between the subject and its verb - "The teacher, gave us homework" is a no‑go. Keep them tight like best friends: "The teacher gave us homework." Subject‑verb commas
    6. PrepScholar: Commas for the ACT
  6. Preposition precision - Skip commas around simple prepositions unless you're introducing a non‑essential clause. Don't do "She is interested in, art." Just say "She is interested in art." Keep it sleek! Preposition comma tips
    7. PrepScholar: ACT Grammar Rules
  7. Adjective tag‑team - Use commas between adjectives that independently describe a noun - you can test by adding "and" in between, like "a long, difficult journey" (you could also say "long and difficult journey"). It's teamwork for your adjectives! Coordinate adjectives
    8. apGuru: Comma Usage
  8. Appositive accents - When a noun or phrase renames another noun non‑essentially, frame it with commas: "My friend, a talented musician, is performing tonight." It adds flair without changing the core meaning. Appositive comma rules
    9. apGuru: Comma Usage
  9. Date delimiters - Use commas to split the day and year, and after the year when the date is mid‑sentence: "On July 4, 1776, the Declaration was signed." This makes your historical facts pop without a stumble. Comma rules for dates
    10. GuideToGrammar: Commas
  10. Bye‑bye comma splices - Avoid gluing two independent clauses with just a comma (that's a comma splice!). Instead, grab a semicolon, period, or a coordinating conjunction: "I was tired, so I went to bed." Your sentences will thank you. Fix comma splices
    11. PrepScholar: Commas for the ACT
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