Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Think You Know Commas and Interrupters? Take the Quiz!

Ready to Dive Into Commas and Interrupters? Master the Interrupter Comma Today!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style illustration of commas and speech bubbles on coral background for sentence interrupters quiz.

Ready to sharpen your sentence interrupters skills? Jump into our Sentence Interrupters Quiz: Test Your Comma Skills and challenge yourself to master the art of commas and interrupters. Whether you're a seasoned writer or polishing your proofreading flair, you'll learn when and where to drop that interrupter comma for clear, punchy sentences. Explore targeted comma practice that reinforces each answer, and see how well you apply rules on real examples. Think you have what it takes? Try our engaging punctuation quiz to compare your score and sharpen your punctuation power. Dive in now and watch your writing skills soar - start the quiz today!

Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off the interrupter "that is"?
The concert that is will begin soon.
The concert that is, will begin soon.
The concert, that is, will begin soon.
The concert, that is will begin soon.
The phrase "that is" is a nonessential interrupter and must be set off by commas before and after it. Removing the phrase would leave a complete, grammatically correct sentence. Using commas clarifies that the phrase provides additional information rather than an essential part of the main clause. Purdue OWL on commas.
Where should commas be placed in this sentence to set off the interrupter? "The weather however was not ideal for a picnic."
The weather however, was not ideal for a picnic.
The weather, however, was not ideal for a picnic.
The weather, however was not ideal for a picnic.
The weather however was not ideal for a picnic.
The word "however" acts as an interrupter here and is nonessential to the meaning of the sentence. It must be enclosed with commas on both sides to show it's an aside. Without commas, the flow of the main clause is disrupted and meaning may be unclear. Grammarly guide to commas.
In which sentence is the phrase "in fact" correctly set off by commas?
She is in fact, a superb artist.
She is in fact a superb artist.
She is, in fact a superb artist.
She is, in fact, a superb artist.
The phrase "in fact" is an interrupter that should be enclosed by commas to indicate it's an aside. This punctuation shows that removing the phrase leaves a complete sentence. Placing commas around the interrupter improves readability and clarifies its nonessential role. UNC Writing Center on commas.
True or False: Interrupters are always essential to the meaning of a sentence.
True
False
Interrupters are by definition nonessential to the core meaning of a sentence; they are parenthetical elements that can be removed without altering the main idea. Commas are used to set them off, indicating their optional nature. Recognizing them helps prevent comma splices and run-on sentences. Grammarly on interrupters.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses commas around the interrupter "more importantly".
More importantly he finished the project.
More importantly, he finished the project.
More, importantly, he finished the project.
More importantly he, finished the project.
"More importantly" is an introductory interrupter that should be followed by a comma. It is nonessential and provides emphasis or transition without altering the sentence's core meaning. Placing a comma after introductory phrases improves clarity. Scribbr on commas.
Identify the sentence that incorrectly punctuates the interrupter "for example".
Many fruits for example apples and oranges, are rich in vitamins.
Many fruits for example, apples and oranges are rich in vitamins.
Many fruits, for example, apples and oranges are rich in vitamins.
Many fruits, for example apples and oranges, are rich in vitamins.
The phrase "for example" should be enclosed by commas to mark it as a nonessential interrupter. In the incorrect sentence, the first comma is missing before "for example" and that disrupts the flow. Proper punctuation clarifies that the list is parenthetical. Purdue OWL comma rules.
Which example correctly sets off "no doubt" in the middle of a sentence?
He will, no doubt arrive late.
He will no doubt, arrive late.
He will, no doubt, arrive late.
He will no doubt arrive late.
The phrase "no doubt" is a parenthetical interrupter that must be enclosed in commas when it appears in the middle of a sentence. Using commas before and after clearly indicates it's an aside. This format preserves the integrity of the main clause. Grammarly on parenthetical phrases.
True or False: You can remove an interrupter from a sentence without changing its main meaning.
False
True
Because interrupters are nonessential elements, removing them leaves the core message intact. Commas are used to set them off, signaling that the sentence remains grammatically complete without them. This principle distinguishes interrupters from essential clauses. University of Wisconsin Writing Center.
Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off both interrupters "as you know" and "in fact"?
The report, as you know, is complete in fact it was submitted yesterday.
The report as you know is complete in fact, it was submitted yesterday.
The report, as you know, is complete, in fact, it was submitted yesterday.
The report as you know is complete, in fact, it was submitted yesterday.
Both "as you know" and "in fact" are nonessential interrupters and must each be enclosed by commas on both sides. This punctuation clearly indicates separate parenthetical remarks within the sentence. Proper use of commas here ensures clarity and flow. Grammarly on parenthetical commas.
Which sentence incorrectly punctuates the interrupter "to be honest"?
I don't care to be honest.
To be honest, I don't care.
To be, honest I don't care.
I don't care, to be honest.
The phrase "to be honest" should be set off by a comma when it functions as an interrupter. In the incorrect sentence, there is no comma separating it from the main clause, making it essential rather than parenthetical. Proper commas signal optional information. Scribbr on interrupters.
Which sentence correctly sets off the interrupter "on the other hand" when it appears in the middle of a sentence?
The plan, on the other hand, is flawed.
The plan on the other hand, is flawed.
The plan on the other hand is flawed.
The plan, on the other hand is flawed.
When "on the other hand" appears mid-sentence as an interrupter, it must be enclosed in commas before and after. This punctuation clearly marks the phrase as nonessential. Without proper commas, the sentence becomes confusing. Purdue OWL extended comma rules.
True or False: Parenthetical phrases always require commas rather than dashes or parentheses.
True
False
While commas are a common way to set off parenthetical phrases, dashes and parentheses can also be used for emphasis or stylistic effect. All three punctuation methods indicate additional, nonessential information. Choosing among them depends on tone and readability. Grammarly on parentheses and dashes.
Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates nested interrupters "which met yesterday" and "as you know".
The committee which met yesterday, as you know approved the proposal.
The committee which met yesterday as you know approved the proposal.
The committee, which met yesterday, as you know, approved the proposal.
The committee, which met yesterday as you know, approved the proposal.
Nested interrupters must each be enclosed by commas to show their nonessential roles. First, "which met yesterday" is set off with commas around it, then "as you know" is also enclosed by commas. This maintains clarity and indicates that both phrases are parenthetical. Purdue OWL comma guidelines.
Which sentence correctly sets off a series of interrupters "frankly", "truthfully", and "I must say" in proper comma usage?
Frankly, truthfully I must say, the results are conclusive.
Frankly truthfully, I must say the results are conclusive.
Frankly, truthfully, I must say, the results are conclusive.
Frankly, truthfully I must say, the results are conclusive.
When using multiple interrupters in sequence, each should be separated by commas to show they are distinct parenthetical elements. The commas before and after each phrase help the reader parse the additional information smoothly. This structure enhances readability and precision. Grammarly on comma series.
0
{"name":"Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off the interrupter \"that is\"?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off the interrupter \"that is\"?, Where should commas be placed in this sentence to set off the interrupter? \"The weather however was not ideal for a picnic.\", In which sentence is the phrase \"in fact\" correctly set off by commas?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Sentence Interrupters -

    Learn to recognize words and phrases that function as sentence interrupters so you can place commas accurately.

  2. Apply Commas for Interrupters -

    Practice using commas correctly before and after interrupters to clarify meaning and follow standard punctuation rules.

  3. Distinguish Essential vs. Nonessential Elements -

    Understand how commas and interrupters set off nonessential information without altering the core sentence meaning.

  4. Analyze Interrupter Comma Usage -

    Evaluate sentences for proper interrupter comma placement and identify common mistakes to improve accuracy.

  5. Improve Writing Clarity -

    Enhance readability by mastering the placement of commas and interrupters in various sentence structures.

  6. Reinforce Grammar Knowledge -

    Test and solidify your understanding of sentence interrupters and comma rules through targeted practice and instant feedback.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Defining Sentence Interrupters -

    Sentence interrupters are words or phrases - like "however," "for example," or "in fact" - that break the flow of a sentence to add emphasis or clarification. According to Purdue OWL, they function as nonessential elements and should be set off with commas. Recognizing an interrupter's role helps you maintain the intended rhythm and meaning of your writing.

  2. Comma Rules for Nonessential Interruptions -

    The Chicago Manual of Style advises placing commas both before and after nonessential interrupters to signal their parenthetical nature (e.g., "My proposal, in fact, solved the problem"). This approach ensures readers know they can remove the interrupter without altering the core meaning. Practicing with sample sentences from university writing centers reinforces this pattern.

  3. Essential vs. Nonessential Interrupters -

    An essential interrupter provides information vital to the sentence's meaning and should not be surrounded by commas, while nonessential interrupters add extra commentary and require commas. For example, "Students who study daily improve rapidly" (essential) vs. "Students, who study daily, improve rapidly" (nonessential). Cambridge University Press emphasizes spotting this difference to avoid comma misuse.

  4. Common Commas and Interrupters -

    Phrases like "on the other hand," "nevertheless," and "that is" frequently serve as interrupters and must be punctuated accordingly. The Oxford Style Guide offers a handy list of such phrases and their correct comma placement. Familiarizing yourself with these listings boosts your confidence when polishing academic or professional writing.

  5. Mnemonic Tricks for Interrupting Wisely -

    Use the "I BTW C" mnemonic - Interrupt Phrase, THEN Wrap with Commas - to remember to enclose interrupters correctly. Writing examples like "I, by the way, love perfect punctuation" helps cement the pattern through repetition. Harvard University's writing resources recommend creating your own flashcards for frequent practice.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

English & Grammar Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker