Punctuation in Compound-Complex Quiz: Grammar Mechanics

1. Although it was raining, we went to the park, and we played soccer. Why is a comma after raining necessary?

It separates two nouns.

It marks the end of the dependent clause.

It replaces and.

It shows excitement.

The comma separates the dependent clause (Although it was raining) from the first independent clause.

Explanation

The comma separates the dependent clause (Although it was raining) from the first independent clause.

2. I studied for hours, but I still forgot my notes because I was tired. Which word is a coordinating conjunction?

Because

For

But

Still

But joins two independent clauses, forming a compound structure.

Explanation

But joins two independent clauses, forming a compound structure.

3. Which sentence has correct punctuation?

Because we were late, and we missed the bus.

We were late because, we missed the bus.

Because we were late, we missed the bus.

We were late, because we missed the bus.

The comma correctly separates the dependent clause from the independent clause.

Explanation

The comma correctly separates the dependent clause from the independent clause.

4. The teacher smiled, for the students had worked hard, and they earned free time. How many commas should appear in this sentence?

0

1

2

3

Two commas mark where each independent clause connects.

Explanation

Two commas mark where each independent clause connects.

5. Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

I like math; and I study every night because I want to improve.

I like math; I study every night because I want to improve.

I like math, I study every night; because I want to improve.

I like math because; I study every night.

The semicolon joins closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Explanation

The semicolon joins closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

6. I was nervous before the test; however, I felt confident once it began. Which punctuation correctly surrounds however?

Semicolon and comma

Two commas

Colon and period

No punctuation needed

A semicolon before and a comma after however separate two independent clauses properly.

Explanation

A semicolon before and a comma after however separate two independent clauses properly.

7. Which sentence shows correct comma placement?

When the rain stopped we went outside, and we played basketball.

When the rain stopped, we went outside and, we played basketball.

When the rain stopped, we went outside, and we played basketball.

When the rain stopped, and we went outside we played basketball.

Commas follow the introductory dependent clause and separate the independent ones.

Explanation

Commas follow the introductory dependent clause and separate the independent ones.

8. A comma should always appear before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.

True

False

The comma clarifies where one complete thought ends and another begins.

Explanation

The comma clarifies where one complete thought ends and another begins.

9. No comma is needed after an introductory dependent clause in a compound-complex sentence.

True

False

A comma is required after an introductory dependent clause.

Explanation

A comma is required after an introductory dependent clause.

10. Identify the error: I wanted to leave early but, since it was raining I stayed.

Misplaced comma

Missing comma

Incorrect conjunction

Fragment

The comma belongs after raining, not after but.

Explanation

The comma belongs after raining, not after but.

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Punctuation in Compound-Complex Sentences