Exercise 1 and Exercise 2 from a grammar worksheet, illustrating comma placement in various contexts.
A text-based exercise sheet with two grammar exercises focusing on comma usage in sentences and text.
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Step-by-step solution for: BusyTeacher.org
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: BusyTeacher.org
Let’s go through Exercise 1 first — putting commas in the sentences and justifying why.
We’ll look at each sentence one by one, add commas where needed, and explain simply why they’re there.
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Exercise 1: Put commas in the sentences. Justify why you put them there.
1. When going on a trip I like to take my guitar with me.
→ Add comma after “trip”
✔ *Why?* “When going on a trip” is an introductory phrase — it sets up the main idea. We separate it with a comma so the reader knows where the main part starts.
2. I’ve been to France Germany China and Spain.
→ Add commas between countries: France, Germany, China, and Spain
✔ *Why?* This is a list of 4 things. We use commas to separate items in a list (called serial or Oxford comma before “and”).
3. Next week I am going to have a party so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
→ Add comma after “week”, and maybe after “party” if we want to be extra clear, but actually only one is needed: after “week”.
Wait — let’s think again.
Actually, “so” connects two independent clauses (“I am going to have a party” and “I invited...”) → so we need a comma BEFORE “so”.
Also, “Next week” is introductory → comma after it.
So: Next week, I am going to have a party, so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
✔ *Why?* Comma after introductory time phrase + comma before “so” because it joins two complete thoughts.
4. There are exactly 4897341 people living in this city most of whom take a train a bus or a tram to work.
→ Add comma after “city”, and commas in the list: train, a bus, or a tram
Also, “most of whom...” is extra info about the people → should be set off with comma.
So: There are exactly 4,897,341 people living in this city, most of whom take a train, a bus, or a tram to work.
✔ *Why?* Comma before non-restrictive clause (“most of whom...”), commas in large number for readability, and commas in list.
5. “Look at this” he whispered.
→ Add comma inside quotes before closing quote: “Look at this,” he whispered.
✔ *Why?* When dialogue is followed by a speaker tag (“he whispered”), we put a comma inside the quotation marks.
6. Paulina his wife of many years decided to live in Greece.
→ Add commas around “his wife of many years” → Paulina, his wife of many years, decided...
✔ *Why?* That phrase is extra info — not essential to know who Paulina is. It’s an appositive → needs commas on both sides.
7. As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway I was beginning to feel less nervous.
→ Add comma after “runway”
✔ *Why?* Introductory dependent clause (“As the plane...”) → comma before main clause.
8. The thief had very impractical shoes so he couldn’t run very fast.
→ Add comma before “so”
✔ *Why?* “So” connects two independent clauses → comma before conjunction joining two full sentences.
9. “I’m warning you” said the teacher “don’t even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school.”
→ Add commas after “you” and after “teacher”:
“I’m warning you,” said the teacher, “don’t even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school.”
✔ *Why?* Speaker tags interrupting dialogue need commas on both sides. Also, comma inside quotes before speaker tag.
10. I dedicate this work to my brothers John Smith and God.
→ Add commas: to my brothers, John Smith, and God.
Wait — is “John Smith” one brother? Or two? Probably one person named John Smith. So:
If it’s three recipients: brothers (plural), John Smith, and God → then:
“I dedicate this work to my brothers, John Smith, and God.”
But that might imply “brothers” includes John Smith? Hmm. Better to clarify:
Actually, likely meaning: dedicating to 3 entities: (1) my brothers, (2) John Smith, (3) God → so yes, commas needed.
✔ *Why?* List of three items → commas between them.
11. Sarah the most intelligent pupil in the class was always late for school.
→ Add commas around “the most intelligent pupil in the class” → Sarah, the most intelligent pupil in the class, was always late...
✔ *Why?* Appositive phrase giving extra info about Sarah → needs commas on both sides.
12. I said that she is intelligent not pretty.
→ Add comma before “not”: I said that she is intelligent, not pretty.
✔ *Why?* Contrast between two ideas → comma before “not” to show opposition.
13. Once the storm was over we could sail to the island.
→ Add comma after “over”
✔ *Why?* Introductory clause (“Once the storm was over”) → comma before main clause.
14. Given the terrible weather conditions it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
→ Add comma after “conditions”
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase (“Given the terrible weather conditions”) → comma before main clause.
15. India a truly beautiful interesting and exotic country is now a popular tourist destination.
→ Add commas: India, a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country, is now...
✔ *Why?* Appositive phrase describing India → commas on both sides. Also, commas in list: beautiful, interesting, and exotic.
16. During lunch at the campus cafeteria Henry noticed the dirty tables the overworked cashiers and the high prices of food.
→ Add comma after “cafeteria”, and commas in list: tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices...
So: During lunch at the campus cafeteria, Henry noticed the dirty tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices of food.
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase → comma after it. Commas in list of three things.
17. During the race I tried to keep up with Mark who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
→ Add comma after “race”, and maybe after “Mark” if “who...” is non-restrictive. But here, “who can run...” tells us WHICH Mark → restrictive → no comma.
Wait — if there’s only one Mark, then it’s extra info → comma. But usually in such contexts, it’s identifying which Mark → no comma.
Actually, standard rule: if the clause is essential to identify the noun, no comma. If it’s extra info, use comma.
Here, probably assuming only one Mark → so “who can run...” is extra → add comma.
Better safe: During the race, I tried to keep up with Mark, who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase → comma after “race”. Non-restrictive relative clause → comma before “who”.
18. To study for the exam Bill drank seven cups of coffee which kept him awake all night.
→ Add comma after “exam”, and before “which” if it’s non-restrictive.
“which kept him awake...” is extra info → so comma before “which”.
So: To study for the exam, Bill drank seven cups of coffee, which kept him awake all night.
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase → comma after “exam”. Non-restrictive clause → comma before “which”.
19. I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work and my wife gets 12000 USD which is not fair.
→ Add comma before “and” if connecting two independent clauses? Let’s see:
“I only earn...” and “my wife gets...” → two independent clauses → comma before “and”.
Also, “which is not fair” refers to the whole situation → non-restrictive → comma before “which”.
So: I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work, and my wife gets 12000 USD, which is not fair.
✔ *Why?* Comma before “and” joining two independent clauses. Comma before “which” introducing non-restrictive clause.
20. Ron who is 15 was doing his best to win the contest but he failed.
→ Add commas around “who is 15” → Ron, who is 15, was doing...
And comma before “but” since it joins two independent clauses.
So: Ron, who is 15, was doing his best to win the contest, but he failed.
✔ *Why?* Non-restrictive clause → commas around “who is 15”. Comma before “but” joining two independent clauses.
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Now Exercise 2: Put commas in the text.
We’ll go paragraph by paragraph.
Original text:
> Last week I decided to visit my best friend John. He is a very smart handsome and kind person and he always manages to find some time for me. Last week however the situation was different. Because he had just got a new job had very little free time. Nevertheless we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café which is said to be owned by a very famous actor. I was wearing my checked red green and blue T-shirt my brown trousers and a pair of sneakers. I arrived at 9:30 and John at 9:45. The waiter who was working that day took our order. We weren’t hungry so we only ordered drinks. John who seemed rather tired told me that his new job was very time-consuming demanding and difficult. “I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long” John said. However he also admitted that his job had advantages some of which were: a comfortable working environment free lunch for each employee and a salary of over 11000 USD. “That’s a lot of money” I said. “Do you even know” I asked “what to spend it on?” John had no ideas but if I had that much money I would probably go on a long holiday renovate my house and buy a new car. That car would have to be fast comfortable and safe. Our conversation ended quickly because John had to go back to work and I had a bus back home to catch. When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink John offered to pay for everything which was very nice of him. “That’s something I can spend my money on” he said. “I can pay for my friends’ drinks lunches and so on.”
Let’s fix it step by step.
First sentence:
Last week I decided to visit my best friend John.
→ Add comma after “week” (introductory)
→ Also, “John” is appositive? No — “my best friend John” — if John is the name, it’s restrictive → no comma. But sometimes we add comma if it’s extra info. Actually, standard: if “John” specifies which friend, no comma. But here, likely only one best friend → so “John” is extra → add comma:
Last week, I decided to visit my best friend, John.
✔ Why? Introductory phrase + non-restrictive appositive.
Second sentence:
He is a very smart handsome and kind person and he always manages to find some time for me.
→ Commas in list: smart, handsome, and kind
→ Comma before “and” joining two independent clauses? “He is...” and “he always manages...” → yes, two independent clauses → comma before “and”
So: He is a very smart, handsome, and kind person, and he always manages to find some time for me.
✔ Why? Commas in list + comma before coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.
Third sentence:
Last week however the situation was different.
→ “however” is interrupter → commas around it
So: Last week, however, the situation was different.
✔ Why? “However” as parenthetical element → commas on both sides.
Fourth sentence:
Because he had just got a new job had very little free time.
This is grammatically incorrect. Should be: “Because he had just got a new job, he had very little free time.”
Add comma after “job”
✔ Why? Introductory dependent clause → comma before main clause.
Fifth sentence:
Nevertheless we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café which is said to be owned by a very famous actor.
→ Comma after “Nevertheless” (introductory adverb)
→ Comma before “which” if non-restrictive → yes, extra info about café
So: Nevertheless, we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café, which is said to be owned by a very famous actor.
✔ Why? Introductory word + non-restrictive relative clause.
Sixth sentence:
I was wearing my checked red green and blue T-shirt my brown trousers and a pair of sneakers.
→ Commas in list: red, green, and blue
→ Also, list of clothing items: T-shirt, trousers, sneakers → so:
I was wearing my checked red, green, and blue T-shirt, my brown trousers, and a pair of sneakers.
✔ Why? Commas in color list + commas in item list.
Seventh sentence:
I arrived at 9:30 and John at 9:45.
→ This is okay as is? “John at 9:45” implies “John arrived at 9:45” — elliptical. No comma needed unless we want to emphasize contrast. Usually no comma.
Leave as is.
Eighth sentence:
The waiter who was working that day took our order.
→ “who was working that day” — if essential, no comma; if extra, comma. Probably extra → add comma:
The waiter, who was working that day, took our order.
✔ Why? Non-restrictive relative clause.
Ninth sentence:
We weren’t hungry so we only ordered drinks.
→ Comma before “so” (joining two independent clauses)
So: We weren’t hungry, so we only ordered drinks.
✔ Why? Comma before coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.
Tenth sentence:
John who seemed rather tired told me that his new job was very time-consuming demanding and difficult.
→ Commas around “who seemed rather tired” → John, who seemed rather tired, told me...
→ Commas in list: time-consuming, demanding, and difficult
So: John, who seemed rather tired, told me that his new job was very time-consuming, demanding, and difficult.
✔ Why? Non-restrictive clause + commas in list.
Eleventh sentence:
“I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long” John said.
→ Comma inside quotes before speaker tag: “I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long,” John said.
✔ Why? Dialogue followed by speaker tag → comma inside quotes.
Twelfth sentence:
However he also admitted that his job had advantages some of which were: a comfortable working environment free lunch for each employee and a salary of over 11000 USD.
→ Comma after “However”
→ Colon introduces list → but list items need commas:
a comfortable working environment, free lunch for each employee, and a salary of over 11,000 USD.
Also, “some of which were” — no comma needed before colon? Actually, colon is fine.
So: However, he also admitted that his job had advantages, some of which were: a comfortable working environment, free lunch for each employee, and a salary of over 11,000 USD.
Wait — do we need comma before “some of which”? Not necessarily. But “advantages some of which were” — better to add comma: “advantages, some of which were”
✔ Why? Introductory “However” → comma. Comma before “some of which” as non-restrictive. Commas in list. Number formatting: 11,000.
Thirteenth sentence:
“That’s a lot of money” I said.
→ Comma inside quotes: “That’s a lot of money,” I said.
✔ Why? Dialogue + speaker tag.
Fourteenth sentence:
“Do you even know” I asked “what to spend it on?”
→ Commas around speaker tag: “Do you even know,” I asked, “what to spend it on?”
✔ Why? Interrupted dialogue → commas before and after speaker tag.
Fifteenth sentence:
John had no ideas but if I had that much money I would probably go on a long holiday renovate my house and buy a new car.
→ Comma before “but” (joining two independent clauses)
→ Comma after “money” (introductory clause “if I had that much money”)
→ Commas in list: holiday, renovate, buy → but “renovate” and “buy” are verbs, so: go on a long holiday, renovate my house, and buy a new car.
So: John had no ideas, but if I had that much money, I would probably go on a long holiday, renovate my house, and buy a new car.
✔ Why? Comma before “but”, comma after introductory “if” clause, commas in list of actions.
Sixteenth sentence:
That car would have to be fast comfortable and safe.
→ Commas in list: fast, comfortable, and safe
So: That car would have to be fast, comfortable, and safe.
✔ Why? Commas in list.
Seventeenth sentence:
Our conversation ended quickly because John had to go back to work and I had a bus back home to catch.
→ No comma needed? “because” introduces dependent clause → no comma before it. “and” joins two clauses, but second is not independent? “I had a bus...” is independent, but connected with “and” after “because” — actually, structure is:
[Main clause] because [dependent clause with two parts joined by “and”]
So no comma needed.
Leave as is.
Eighteenth sentence:
When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink John offered to pay for everything which was very nice of him.
→ Comma after “drink” (end of introductory clause)
→ Comma before “which” (non-restrictive)
So: When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink, John offered to pay for everything, which was very nice of him.
✔ Why? Introductory clause → comma. Non-restrictive clause → comma before “which”.
Nineteenth sentence:
“That’s something I can spend my money on” he said.
→ Comma inside quotes: “That’s something I can spend my money on,” he said.
✔ Why? Dialogue + speaker tag.
Twentieth sentence:
“I can pay for my friends’ drinks lunches and so on.”
→ Commas in list: drinks, lunches, and so on
So: “I can pay for my friends’ drinks, lunches, and so on.”
✔ Why? Commas in list.
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Now, compiling all corrected versions.
But note: the user didn’t ask for explanations in final answer — just to solve the problem. Since ExplainAnswer is false, we skip explanation section.
Final Answer will be the corrected sentences with commas added.
But wait — the instruction says: “Solve the problem accurately.” and “Final Answer: [Provide only the final correct answer]”
Since it’s two exercises, we’ll present both corrected.
But to save space, perhaps list them clearly.
Alternatively, since it’s text correction, we can write the corrected version of Exercise 2 as a paragraph.
But for clarity, let’s do:
For Exercise 1: list each sentence with commas added.
For Exercise 2: rewrite the entire paragraph with commas.
But the user might expect just the answers.
Given the format, I’ll provide:
Final Answer:
Exercise 1:
1. When going on a trip, I like to take my guitar with me.
2. I’ve been to France, Germany, China, and Spain.
3. Next week, I am going to have a party, so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
4. There are exactly 4,897,341 people living in this city, most of whom take a train, a bus, or a tram to work.
5. “Look at this,” he whispered.
6. Paulina, his wife of many years, decided to live in Greece.
7. As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway, I was beginning to feel less nervous.
8. The thief had very impractical shoes, so he couldn’t run very fast.
9. “I’m warning you,” said the teacher, “don’t even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school.”
10. I dedicate this work to my brothers, John Smith, and God.
11. Sarah, the most intelligent pupil in the class, was always late for school.
12. I said that she is intelligent, not pretty.
13. Once the storm was over, we could sail to the island.
14. Given the terrible weather conditions, it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
15. India, a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country, is now a popular tourist destination.
16. During lunch at the campus cafeteria, Henry noticed the dirty tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices of food.
17. During the race, I tried to keep up with Mark, who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
18. To study for the exam, Bill drank seven cups of coffee, which kept him awake all night.
19. I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work, and my wife gets 12000 USD, which is not fair.
20. Ron, who is 15, was doing his best to win the contest, but he failed.
Exercise 2:
Last week, I decided to visit my best friend, John. He is a very smart, handsome, and kind person, and he always manages to find some time for me. Last week, however, the situation was different. Because he had just got a new job, he had very little free time. Nevertheless, we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café, which is said to be owned by a very famous actor. I was wearing my checked red, green, and blue T-shirt, my brown trousers, and a pair of sneakers. I arrived at 9:30 and John at 9:45. The waiter, who was working that day, took our order. We weren’t hungry, so we only ordered drinks. John, who seemed rather tired, told me that his new job was very time-consuming, demanding, and difficult. “I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long,” John said. However, he also admitted that his job had advantages, some of which were: a comfortable working environment, free lunch for each employee, and a salary of over 11,000 USD. “That’s a lot of money,” I said. “Do you even know,” I asked, “what to spend it on?” John had no ideas, but if I had that much money, I would probably go on a long holiday, renovate my house, and buy a new car. That car would have to be fast, comfortable, and safe. Our conversation ended quickly because John had to go back to work and I had a bus back home to catch. When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink, John offered to pay for everything, which was very nice of him. “That’s something I can spend my money on,” he said. “I can pay for my friends’ drinks, lunches, and so on.”
Note: In sentence 4 of Exercise 2, I corrected the grammar by adding "he" to make it a complete sentence. Original was missing subject.
Also, in Exercise 1, sentence 10, if "John Smith" is meant to be one person, it's fine. If it's two people, it should be "John, Smith, and God" — but context suggests John Smith is one person.
Similarly, in Exercise 2, "15-minute-long" is hyphenated correctly as compound adjective.
All commas justified per rules.
Final Answer provided below.
We’ll look at each sentence one by one, add commas where needed, and explain simply why they’re there.
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Exercise 1: Put commas in the sentences. Justify why you put them there.
1. When going on a trip I like to take my guitar with me.
→ Add comma after “trip”
✔ *Why?* “When going on a trip” is an introductory phrase — it sets up the main idea. We separate it with a comma so the reader knows where the main part starts.
2. I’ve been to France Germany China and Spain.
→ Add commas between countries: France, Germany, China, and Spain
✔ *Why?* This is a list of 4 things. We use commas to separate items in a list (called serial or Oxford comma before “and”).
3. Next week I am going to have a party so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
→ Add comma after “week”, and maybe after “party” if we want to be extra clear, but actually only one is needed: after “week”.
Wait — let’s think again.
Actually, “so” connects two independent clauses (“I am going to have a party” and “I invited...”) → so we need a comma BEFORE “so”.
Also, “Next week” is introductory → comma after it.
So: Next week, I am going to have a party, so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
✔ *Why?* Comma after introductory time phrase + comma before “so” because it joins two complete thoughts.
4. There are exactly 4897341 people living in this city most of whom take a train a bus or a tram to work.
→ Add comma after “city”, and commas in the list: train, a bus, or a tram
Also, “most of whom...” is extra info about the people → should be set off with comma.
So: There are exactly 4,897,341 people living in this city, most of whom take a train, a bus, or a tram to work.
✔ *Why?* Comma before non-restrictive clause (“most of whom...”), commas in large number for readability, and commas in list.
5. “Look at this” he whispered.
→ Add comma inside quotes before closing quote: “Look at this,” he whispered.
✔ *Why?* When dialogue is followed by a speaker tag (“he whispered”), we put a comma inside the quotation marks.
6. Paulina his wife of many years decided to live in Greece.
→ Add commas around “his wife of many years” → Paulina, his wife of many years, decided...
✔ *Why?* That phrase is extra info — not essential to know who Paulina is. It’s an appositive → needs commas on both sides.
7. As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway I was beginning to feel less nervous.
→ Add comma after “runway”
✔ *Why?* Introductory dependent clause (“As the plane...”) → comma before main clause.
8. The thief had very impractical shoes so he couldn’t run very fast.
→ Add comma before “so”
✔ *Why?* “So” connects two independent clauses → comma before conjunction joining two full sentences.
9. “I’m warning you” said the teacher “don’t even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school.”
→ Add commas after “you” and after “teacher”:
“I’m warning you,” said the teacher, “don’t even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school.”
✔ *Why?* Speaker tags interrupting dialogue need commas on both sides. Also, comma inside quotes before speaker tag.
10. I dedicate this work to my brothers John Smith and God.
→ Add commas: to my brothers, John Smith, and God.
Wait — is “John Smith” one brother? Or two? Probably one person named John Smith. So:
If it’s three recipients: brothers (plural), John Smith, and God → then:
“I dedicate this work to my brothers, John Smith, and God.”
But that might imply “brothers” includes John Smith? Hmm. Better to clarify:
Actually, likely meaning: dedicating to 3 entities: (1) my brothers, (2) John Smith, (3) God → so yes, commas needed.
✔ *Why?* List of three items → commas between them.
11. Sarah the most intelligent pupil in the class was always late for school.
→ Add commas around “the most intelligent pupil in the class” → Sarah, the most intelligent pupil in the class, was always late...
✔ *Why?* Appositive phrase giving extra info about Sarah → needs commas on both sides.
12. I said that she is intelligent not pretty.
→ Add comma before “not”: I said that she is intelligent, not pretty.
✔ *Why?* Contrast between two ideas → comma before “not” to show opposition.
13. Once the storm was over we could sail to the island.
→ Add comma after “over”
✔ *Why?* Introductory clause (“Once the storm was over”) → comma before main clause.
14. Given the terrible weather conditions it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
→ Add comma after “conditions”
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase (“Given the terrible weather conditions”) → comma before main clause.
15. India a truly beautiful interesting and exotic country is now a popular tourist destination.
→ Add commas: India, a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country, is now...
✔ *Why?* Appositive phrase describing India → commas on both sides. Also, commas in list: beautiful, interesting, and exotic.
16. During lunch at the campus cafeteria Henry noticed the dirty tables the overworked cashiers and the high prices of food.
→ Add comma after “cafeteria”, and commas in list: tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices...
So: During lunch at the campus cafeteria, Henry noticed the dirty tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices of food.
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase → comma after it. Commas in list of three things.
17. During the race I tried to keep up with Mark who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
→ Add comma after “race”, and maybe after “Mark” if “who...” is non-restrictive. But here, “who can run...” tells us WHICH Mark → restrictive → no comma.
Wait — if there’s only one Mark, then it’s extra info → comma. But usually in such contexts, it’s identifying which Mark → no comma.
Actually, standard rule: if the clause is essential to identify the noun, no comma. If it’s extra info, use comma.
Here, probably assuming only one Mark → so “who can run...” is extra → add comma.
Better safe: During the race, I tried to keep up with Mark, who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase → comma after “race”. Non-restrictive relative clause → comma before “who”.
18. To study for the exam Bill drank seven cups of coffee which kept him awake all night.
→ Add comma after “exam”, and before “which” if it’s non-restrictive.
“which kept him awake...” is extra info → so comma before “which”.
So: To study for the exam, Bill drank seven cups of coffee, which kept him awake all night.
✔ *Why?* Introductory phrase → comma after “exam”. Non-restrictive clause → comma before “which”.
19. I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work and my wife gets 12000 USD which is not fair.
→ Add comma before “and” if connecting two independent clauses? Let’s see:
“I only earn...” and “my wife gets...” → two independent clauses → comma before “and”.
Also, “which is not fair” refers to the whole situation → non-restrictive → comma before “which”.
So: I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work, and my wife gets 12000 USD, which is not fair.
✔ *Why?* Comma before “and” joining two independent clauses. Comma before “which” introducing non-restrictive clause.
20. Ron who is 15 was doing his best to win the contest but he failed.
→ Add commas around “who is 15” → Ron, who is 15, was doing...
And comma before “but” since it joins two independent clauses.
So: Ron, who is 15, was doing his best to win the contest, but he failed.
✔ *Why?* Non-restrictive clause → commas around “who is 15”. Comma before “but” joining two independent clauses.
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Now Exercise 2: Put commas in the text.
We’ll go paragraph by paragraph.
Original text:
> Last week I decided to visit my best friend John. He is a very smart handsome and kind person and he always manages to find some time for me. Last week however the situation was different. Because he had just got a new job had very little free time. Nevertheless we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café which is said to be owned by a very famous actor. I was wearing my checked red green and blue T-shirt my brown trousers and a pair of sneakers. I arrived at 9:30 and John at 9:45. The waiter who was working that day took our order. We weren’t hungry so we only ordered drinks. John who seemed rather tired told me that his new job was very time-consuming demanding and difficult. “I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long” John said. However he also admitted that his job had advantages some of which were: a comfortable working environment free lunch for each employee and a salary of over 11000 USD. “That’s a lot of money” I said. “Do you even know” I asked “what to spend it on?” John had no ideas but if I had that much money I would probably go on a long holiday renovate my house and buy a new car. That car would have to be fast comfortable and safe. Our conversation ended quickly because John had to go back to work and I had a bus back home to catch. When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink John offered to pay for everything which was very nice of him. “That’s something I can spend my money on” he said. “I can pay for my friends’ drinks lunches and so on.”
Let’s fix it step by step.
First sentence:
Last week I decided to visit my best friend John.
→ Add comma after “week” (introductory)
→ Also, “John” is appositive? No — “my best friend John” — if John is the name, it’s restrictive → no comma. But sometimes we add comma if it’s extra info. Actually, standard: if “John” specifies which friend, no comma. But here, likely only one best friend → so “John” is extra → add comma:
Last week, I decided to visit my best friend, John.
✔ Why? Introductory phrase + non-restrictive appositive.
Second sentence:
He is a very smart handsome and kind person and he always manages to find some time for me.
→ Commas in list: smart, handsome, and kind
→ Comma before “and” joining two independent clauses? “He is...” and “he always manages...” → yes, two independent clauses → comma before “and”
So: He is a very smart, handsome, and kind person, and he always manages to find some time for me.
✔ Why? Commas in list + comma before coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.
Third sentence:
Last week however the situation was different.
→ “however” is interrupter → commas around it
So: Last week, however, the situation was different.
✔ Why? “However” as parenthetical element → commas on both sides.
Fourth sentence:
Because he had just got a new job had very little free time.
This is grammatically incorrect. Should be: “Because he had just got a new job, he had very little free time.”
Add comma after “job”
✔ Why? Introductory dependent clause → comma before main clause.
Fifth sentence:
Nevertheless we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café which is said to be owned by a very famous actor.
→ Comma after “Nevertheless” (introductory adverb)
→ Comma before “which” if non-restrictive → yes, extra info about café
So: Nevertheless, we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café, which is said to be owned by a very famous actor.
✔ Why? Introductory word + non-restrictive relative clause.
Sixth sentence:
I was wearing my checked red green and blue T-shirt my brown trousers and a pair of sneakers.
→ Commas in list: red, green, and blue
→ Also, list of clothing items: T-shirt, trousers, sneakers → so:
I was wearing my checked red, green, and blue T-shirt, my brown trousers, and a pair of sneakers.
✔ Why? Commas in color list + commas in item list.
Seventh sentence:
I arrived at 9:30 and John at 9:45.
→ This is okay as is? “John at 9:45” implies “John arrived at 9:45” — elliptical. No comma needed unless we want to emphasize contrast. Usually no comma.
Leave as is.
Eighth sentence:
The waiter who was working that day took our order.
→ “who was working that day” — if essential, no comma; if extra, comma. Probably extra → add comma:
The waiter, who was working that day, took our order.
✔ Why? Non-restrictive relative clause.
Ninth sentence:
We weren’t hungry so we only ordered drinks.
→ Comma before “so” (joining two independent clauses)
So: We weren’t hungry, so we only ordered drinks.
✔ Why? Comma before coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.
Tenth sentence:
John who seemed rather tired told me that his new job was very time-consuming demanding and difficult.
→ Commas around “who seemed rather tired” → John, who seemed rather tired, told me...
→ Commas in list: time-consuming, demanding, and difficult
So: John, who seemed rather tired, told me that his new job was very time-consuming, demanding, and difficult.
✔ Why? Non-restrictive clause + commas in list.
Eleventh sentence:
“I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long” John said.
→ Comma inside quotes before speaker tag: “I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long,” John said.
✔ Why? Dialogue followed by speaker tag → comma inside quotes.
Twelfth sentence:
However he also admitted that his job had advantages some of which were: a comfortable working environment free lunch for each employee and a salary of over 11000 USD.
→ Comma after “However”
→ Colon introduces list → but list items need commas:
a comfortable working environment, free lunch for each employee, and a salary of over 11,000 USD.
Also, “some of which were” — no comma needed before colon? Actually, colon is fine.
So: However, he also admitted that his job had advantages, some of which were: a comfortable working environment, free lunch for each employee, and a salary of over 11,000 USD.
Wait — do we need comma before “some of which”? Not necessarily. But “advantages some of which were” — better to add comma: “advantages, some of which were”
✔ Why? Introductory “However” → comma. Comma before “some of which” as non-restrictive. Commas in list. Number formatting: 11,000.
Thirteenth sentence:
“That’s a lot of money” I said.
→ Comma inside quotes: “That’s a lot of money,” I said.
✔ Why? Dialogue + speaker tag.
Fourteenth sentence:
“Do you even know” I asked “what to spend it on?”
→ Commas around speaker tag: “Do you even know,” I asked, “what to spend it on?”
✔ Why? Interrupted dialogue → commas before and after speaker tag.
Fifteenth sentence:
John had no ideas but if I had that much money I would probably go on a long holiday renovate my house and buy a new car.
→ Comma before “but” (joining two independent clauses)
→ Comma after “money” (introductory clause “if I had that much money”)
→ Commas in list: holiday, renovate, buy → but “renovate” and “buy” are verbs, so: go on a long holiday, renovate my house, and buy a new car.
So: John had no ideas, but if I had that much money, I would probably go on a long holiday, renovate my house, and buy a new car.
✔ Why? Comma before “but”, comma after introductory “if” clause, commas in list of actions.
Sixteenth sentence:
That car would have to be fast comfortable and safe.
→ Commas in list: fast, comfortable, and safe
So: That car would have to be fast, comfortable, and safe.
✔ Why? Commas in list.
Seventeenth sentence:
Our conversation ended quickly because John had to go back to work and I had a bus back home to catch.
→ No comma needed? “because” introduces dependent clause → no comma before it. “and” joins two clauses, but second is not independent? “I had a bus...” is independent, but connected with “and” after “because” — actually, structure is:
[Main clause] because [dependent clause with two parts joined by “and”]
So no comma needed.
Leave as is.
Eighteenth sentence:
When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink John offered to pay for everything which was very nice of him.
→ Comma after “drink” (end of introductory clause)
→ Comma before “which” (non-restrictive)
So: When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink, John offered to pay for everything, which was very nice of him.
✔ Why? Introductory clause → comma. Non-restrictive clause → comma before “which”.
Nineteenth sentence:
“That’s something I can spend my money on” he said.
→ Comma inside quotes: “That’s something I can spend my money on,” he said.
✔ Why? Dialogue + speaker tag.
Twentieth sentence:
“I can pay for my friends’ drinks lunches and so on.”
→ Commas in list: drinks, lunches, and so on
So: “I can pay for my friends’ drinks, lunches, and so on.”
✔ Why? Commas in list.
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Now, compiling all corrected versions.
But note: the user didn’t ask for explanations in final answer — just to solve the problem. Since ExplainAnswer is false, we skip explanation section.
Final Answer will be the corrected sentences with commas added.
But wait — the instruction says: “Solve the problem accurately.” and “Final Answer: [Provide only the final correct answer]”
Since it’s two exercises, we’ll present both corrected.
But to save space, perhaps list them clearly.
Alternatively, since it’s text correction, we can write the corrected version of Exercise 2 as a paragraph.
But for clarity, let’s do:
For Exercise 1: list each sentence with commas added.
For Exercise 2: rewrite the entire paragraph with commas.
But the user might expect just the answers.
Given the format, I’ll provide:
Final Answer:
Exercise 1:
1. When going on a trip, I like to take my guitar with me.
2. I’ve been to France, Germany, China, and Spain.
3. Next week, I am going to have a party, so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
4. There are exactly 4,897,341 people living in this city, most of whom take a train, a bus, or a tram to work.
5. “Look at this,” he whispered.
6. Paulina, his wife of many years, decided to live in Greece.
7. As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway, I was beginning to feel less nervous.
8. The thief had very impractical shoes, so he couldn’t run very fast.
9. “I’m warning you,” said the teacher, “don’t even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school.”
10. I dedicate this work to my brothers, John Smith, and God.
11. Sarah, the most intelligent pupil in the class, was always late for school.
12. I said that she is intelligent, not pretty.
13. Once the storm was over, we could sail to the island.
14. Given the terrible weather conditions, it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
15. India, a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country, is now a popular tourist destination.
16. During lunch at the campus cafeteria, Henry noticed the dirty tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices of food.
17. During the race, I tried to keep up with Mark, who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
18. To study for the exam, Bill drank seven cups of coffee, which kept him awake all night.
19. I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work, and my wife gets 12000 USD, which is not fair.
20. Ron, who is 15, was doing his best to win the contest, but he failed.
Exercise 2:
Last week, I decided to visit my best friend, John. He is a very smart, handsome, and kind person, and he always manages to find some time for me. Last week, however, the situation was different. Because he had just got a new job, he had very little free time. Nevertheless, we managed to arrange a quick 15-minute-long meeting in the “Blue Rose” café, which is said to be owned by a very famous actor. I was wearing my checked red, green, and blue T-shirt, my brown trousers, and a pair of sneakers. I arrived at 9:30 and John at 9:45. The waiter, who was working that day, took our order. We weren’t hungry, so we only ordered drinks. John, who seemed rather tired, told me that his new job was very time-consuming, demanding, and difficult. “I don’t know if I’ll manage to work like that for long,” John said. However, he also admitted that his job had advantages, some of which were: a comfortable working environment, free lunch for each employee, and a salary of over 11,000 USD. “That’s a lot of money,” I said. “Do you even know,” I asked, “what to spend it on?” John had no ideas, but if I had that much money, I would probably go on a long holiday, renovate my house, and buy a new car. That car would have to be fast, comfortable, and safe. Our conversation ended quickly because John had to go back to work and I had a bus back home to catch. When I reached for my wallet to pay for my drink, John offered to pay for everything, which was very nice of him. “That’s something I can spend my money on,” he said. “I can pay for my friends’ drinks, lunches, and so on.”
Note: In sentence 4 of Exercise 2, I corrected the grammar by adding "he" to make it a complete sentence. Original was missing subject.
Also, in Exercise 1, sentence 10, if "John Smith" is meant to be one person, it's fine. If it's two people, it should be "John, Smith, and God" — but context suggests John Smith is one person.
Similarly, in Exercise 2, "15-minute-long" is hyphenated correctly as compound adjective.
All commas justified per rules.
Final Answer provided below.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of high school punctuation worksheet.
