When are commas normally used? Select three options. after introductory phrases and clauses around restrictive phrases and clauses around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses before the conjunction joining independent clauses before the conjunction introducing a dependent clause
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers are:
- After introductory phrases and clauses
- Around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses
- Before the conjunction joining independent clauses
Explanation:
1. After introductory phrases and clauses
Commas are used after introductory words, phrases, or clauses to provide clarity and indicate a pause. This helps readers understand the relationship between the introduction and the main sentence. For example:
- After the meeting ended, everyone went home.
The comma separates the introductory phrase (After the meeting ended) from the main clause (everyone went home).
2. Around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses
Nonrestrictive phrases or clauses add extra information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These are set off with commas to show that they are supplementary and can be removed without changing the core meaning. For example:
- My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.
The phrase who lives in New York is nonrestrictive because it simply adds information about the brother.
3. Before the conjunction joining independent clauses
When two independent clauses (clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences) are joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), a comma is placed before the conjunction. For example:
- I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
The comma helps distinguish the two independent ideas.
Why Not the Other Options?
- Around restrictive phrases and clauses: Commas are not used for restrictive clauses because they are essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Example: The student who studies hard will succeed.
Removing the restrictive clause (who studies hard) would change the meaning. - Before the conjunction introducing a dependent clause: Commas are usually unnecessary in this case.
Example: I stayed home because it was raining.