1. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Companies want employees who are organized team oriented and self-motivated.
b.
Companies want employees who are organized, team oriented and self-motivated.
c.
Companies want employees who are organized, team oriented, and self-motivated.
clarity and ease of reading.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
2. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
b.
c.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
3. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
We hope that our service has met or exceeded your expectations, and that you will call us again when you
need additional repairs.
b.
We received the award because of our exceptional product line, commitment to quality, and outstanding
customer service.
c.
Was it Tom, Jillian or Jodi who attended the conference?
b
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
4. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Ms. Hernandez, please tell us why you are interested in this position.
b.
Ms. Hernandez please tell us why you are interested in this position.
c.
Ms. Hernandez; please tell us why you are interested in this position.
titles, are set off with commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
5. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
I am happy to introduce, ladies and gentlemen, our keynote speaker at this year’s conference.
b.
I am happy to introduce ladies and gentlemen our keynote speaker at this year’s conference.
c.
I am happy to introduce, ladies and gentlemen; our keynote speaker at this year’s conference.
off with commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
6. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
You can as a matter of fact; get news updates delivered to your cell phone.
b.
You can, as a matter of fact get news updates delivered to your cell phone.
c.
You can, as a matter of fact, get news updates delivered to your cell phone.
Parenthetical words, phrases (as a matter of fact), and clauses that interrupt the flow of a
with commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
7. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
However, you want to approach the problem is all right with me.
b.
However you want to approach the problem is all right with me.
c.
However; you want to approach the problem is all right with me.
b
punctuation should follow it.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
8. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
On the other hand we could use the Web to reach more customers.
b.
On the other hand; we could use the Web to reach more customers.
c.
On the other hand, we could use the Web to reach more customers.
sentence. Therefore, place a comma, not a semicolon, after it.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
9. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
The need for a certified technician; unfortunately, can’t be met until our present personnel receive additional
training.
b.
The update of the computer mainframe, unfortunately, caused us to lose some of our documents.
c.
It is, unfortunate, that we cannot meet until next week.
b
commas.
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.10-110-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
10. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
On Monday, June 1, 2015 our company went public and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
b.
On Monday, June 1, 2015, our company went public and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
c.
On Monday June 1, 2015, our company went public and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
b
When dates contain more than one element, the second (June 1) and following elements
(2015) should be set off by commas.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
11. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
The virtual meeting will begin promptly at 3 p.m., EST.
b.
The virtual meeting will begin promptly at 3 p.m. EST.
c.
The virtual meeting will begin promptly at, 3 p.m., EST.
a
Commas should be used to set off time zones with clock times. In addition, no comma should
separate the preposition at from its object.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
12. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Please send a copy of your receipt to Julie Newhouse, Customer Care Representative, 4715 Thunderbird Road,
Phoenix AZ 85068.
b.
Please send a copy of your receipt to Julie Newhouse, Customer Care Representative, 4715 Thunderbird Road,
Phoenix, AZ, 85068.
c.
Please send a copy of your receipt to Julie Newhouse, Customer Care Representative, 4715 Thunderbird Road,
Phoenix, AZ 85068.
When addresses are written in sentence form, separate the parts of the address with commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
13. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
The conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 10.
b.
The conference will be held in Las Vegas Nevada on March 10.
c.
The conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 10.
When geographical items contain more than one element, the second (Nevada) and any other
following elements should be set off by commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
14. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Please send your returned merchandise to TechSolutions, 1385 Parkway Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 14201,
within 30 days.
b.
Jim Richards was transferred from the Dayton, Ohio research and development facilities to the Denver,
Colorado production plant.
c.
I must change planes in Phoenix, Arizona, before going to Los Angeles, California.
not, however, place a comma between a city and its zip code (New York 14201).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
15. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Sarah Thompson, my English professor, required that all research papers be submitted by Friday.
b.
Sarah Thompson my English professor required that all research papers be submitted by Friday.
c.
Sarah Thompson my English professor, required that all research papers be submitted by Friday.
of its antecedent should be set off by commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
16. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
The book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People was written by Stephen Covey.
b.
The book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, was written by Stephen Covey.
c.
The book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People was written by Stephen Covey.
noun or pronoun referred to earlier in the sentence (book), do not set it off with commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
17. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
My coworker, Steven, was a former major league baseball player.
b.
My coworker Steven, was a former major league baseball player.
c.
My coworker Steven was a former major league baseball player.
Closely related one-word appositives (Steven) do not require commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-210-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
18. Which sentence is better expressed?
a.
A durable inexpensive smartphone is being offered as a gift.
b.
A durable, inexpensive smartphone is being offered as a gift.
b
adjectives. If the sentence makes sense, place a comma between the adjectives.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-310-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
19. Which sentence is better expressed?
a.
Our efficient, administrative assistant will process your claim quickly.
b.
Our efficient administrative assistant will process your claim quickly.
b
combined idea of the second adjective and noun (administrative assistant).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-310-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
20. Which sentence is better expressed?
a.
Matthew, too, will attend Merced College in the fall.
b.
Matthew too will attend Merced College in the fall.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-310-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
21. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
To sit for the CPA examination you must meet specific educational requirements.
b.
To sit for the CPA examination, you must meet specific educational requirements.
c.
To sit for the CPA examination; you must meet specific educational requirements.
b
followed by a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
22. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Starting October 1 your marketing representative will be Shyla Plummer.
b.
Starting October 1, your marketing representative will be Shyla Plummer.
c.
Starting October 1; your marketing representative will be Shyla Plummer.
b
by a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
23. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
To select the best job applicant many companies conduct a series of interviews.
b.
Reading the applications carefully Brian eliminated the unqualified applicants.
c.
By applying consistent hiring standards, companies can avoid charges of discrimination.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
24. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
During the month of December many companies hire temporary workers.
b.
During the month of December; many companies hire temporary workers.
c.
During the month of December, many companies hire temporary workers.
four or more words should be followed by a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
25. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
All employees, in the marketing division met to discuss the merger.
b.
All employees, in the marketing division, met to discuss the merger.
c.
All employees in the marketing division met to discuss the merger.
Prepositional phrases (in the marketing division) that appear in the middle or at the end of a
sentence do not require commas when they are essential and do not interrupt the flow of the
sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
26. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
On Friday, our new surgical hospital will officially open its doors to patients.
b.
At the end of August, many students will be moving into dormitories or apartments.
c.
Customers, at our retail store in Omaha, were offered a special discount as part of our grand opening
celebration.
b
interrupt the flow of the sentence.
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
27. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Many companies are concerned with fake products being sold online and these companies are now hiring full
time employees to review websites.
b.
Many companies are concerned with fake products being sold online, and these companies are now hiring full-
time employees to review websites.
c.
Many companies are concerned with fake products being sold online; and these companies are now hiring full
time employees to review websites.
b
When a coordinating conjunction (and) joins independent clauses, use a comma before the
coordinating conjunction unless the entire sentence is short (up to 13 words).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
28. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Colin created the interview questions and Roberto conducted the interview.
b.
Colin created the interview questions, and Roberto conducted the interview.
c.
Colin created the interview questions and, Roberto conducted the interview.
when the entire sentence is short (up to 13 words).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
29. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
When people buy expensive items in online auctions, the items purchased may not be authentic.
b.
When people buy expensive items in online auctions; the items purchased may not be authentic.
c.
When people buy expensive items in online auctions the items purchased may not be authentic.
should always be followed by a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
30. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
We will process your claim when we receive a copy of your receipt.
b.
We will process your claim; when we receive a copy of your receipt.
c.
We will process your claim, when we receive a copy of your receipt.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
31. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Because Jorge was the first to arrive for the meeting he rearranged the tables and chairs.
b.
We must contact our vendor, after the customer has accepted the offer.
c.
Before we send the proposal to the customer, we must double-check all pricing information.
generally not preceded by a comma unless the clause adds unnecessary information.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
32. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Charles Merrick who is the Bank Mutual branch manager has arrived for the meeting.
b.
Charles Merrick who is the Bank Mutual branch manager, has arrived for the meeting.
c.
Charles Merrick, who is the Bank Mutual branch manager, has arrived for the meeting.
comma should precede and follow the clause.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
33. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
The employee, who previously worked for one of our competitors, will begin her new position on Monday.
b.
Companies, that offer exceptional customer service, often receive the highest ratings from consumers.
c.
Rebecca Gilles, who recently received recognition for her 30 years of employment, will retire on January 1.
c
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.10-410-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
34. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Tori Heinz, MD spoke to our ethics class about patient confidentiality.
b.
Tori Heinz MD, spoke to our ethics class about patient confidentiality.
c.
Tori Heinz, MD, spoke to our ethics class about patient confidentiality.
c
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.10-510-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
35. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
U.S. Department of Education statistics indicate that by 2020 27 million people will have earned a college
degree.
b.
U.S. Department of Education statistics indicate that by 2020, 27 million people will have earned a college
degree.
b
Unrelated figures appearing side by side should be separated by commas.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.10-510-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
36. Which sentence is better expressed in U.S. format?
a.
Nearly 25,000 visitors attended the technology fair.
b.
Nearly 25000 visitors attended the technology fair.
Numbers of more than three digits require commas when expressed in U.S. format.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-510-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
37. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
Our mailing address is 7,900 Willow Circle.
b.
Our mailing address is 7900 Willow Circle.
b
numbers are written without commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-510-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
38. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
You can find the answer to the question on page 1112 of the manual.
b.
The home at 3,593 East Oak Lane was destroyed by a fire.
c.
By December 1 62 employees planned to retire at the end of the year.
however, used between unrelated figures (By December 1, 62).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-510-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
KEYWORDS:
BLOOM’S: Application
39. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
In January we hired 17 employees; in March only 5.
b.
In January, we hired 17 employees; in March, only 5.
c.
In January we hired 17 employees; in March, only 5.
ANSWER:
than four words.
POINTS:
1
DIFFICULTY:
BENG.GUFF.17.10-610-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
TOPICS:
Special Guidelines for Using Commas and Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
KEYWORDS:
BLOOM’S: Application
40. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
The aim of our customer correspondence is to build, not destroy, customer goodwill.
b.
The aim of our customer correspondence is to build; not destroy, customer goodwill.
c.
The aim of our customer correspondence is to build not destroy customer goodwill.
ANSWER:
expressions are often introduced by not, never, but, and yet.
POINTS:
1
DIFFICULTY:
BENG.GUFF.17.10-610-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
TOPICS:
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
KEYWORDS:
BLOOM’S: Application
41. All of the following sentences are punctuated correctly except ______
a.
Susan Whitaker, not Brett Bauer, will be the emcee at this year’s spring recognition banquet.
b.
The more hours I work without a break the less productive I am.
c.
It is hard work, never chance or pure luck, that determines one’s success.
ANSWER:
b
appear before the less productive I am.
POINTS:
1
DIFFICULTY:
BENG.GUFF.17.10-610-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
42. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
In short employees will need to select the health insurance option that best meets their needs.
b.
In short, employees will need to select the health insurance option that best meets their needs.
c.
In short, employees, will need to select the health insurance option that best meets their needs.
b
comma should separate the subject (employees) and the verb phrase (will need).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-610-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
43. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
What it was was a brilliant marketing campaign.
b.
What it was; was a brilliant marketing campaign.
c.
What it was, was a brilliant marketing campaign.
not separated.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.10-610-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Additional Guidelines for Using Commas
BLOOM’S: Application
44. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
Woody Allen said; “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
b.
Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
c.
Woody Allen said: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
b
A comma is used to separate a short quotation from the rest of a sentence.
1
Easy
45. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
a.
“The biggest adventure you can ever take,” said Oprah Winfrey, “is to live the life of your dreams.”
b.
“The biggest adventure you can ever take” said Oprah Winfrey is to live the life of your dreams.”
c.
“The biggest adventure you can ever take said Oprah Winfrey, is to live the life of your dreams.”
a
1
Easy
46. Let me ____ you that your proposal will receive serious consideration.
a.
assure
b.
ensure
c.
insure
a
1
Easy
47. Our IT Department performs regular ____ of our computer system’s infrastructure.
a.
maintainance
b.
maintenance
c.
maintenence
b
1
Easy
48. Very few members had been ____ of the exact financial status of the organization.
a.
apprized
b.
appraised
c.
apprised
c
1
Easy
49. The company and ____ subsidiaries reported record growth.
a.
its’
b.
it’s
c.
its
c
1
Easy
50. Russian-born native Natalya ____ to the United States.
a.
emigrated
b.
immigrated
c.
emmigrated
b
States.
1
Easy