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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: BusyTeacher.org
It looks like you've uploaded a text document containing two exercises related to English grammar and punctuation. Let's go through each exercise step by step, solve the problems, and explain the solutions.
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Task: Put commas in the sentences. Justify why you put them there.
We'll go through each sentence, add appropriate commas, and explain the reasoning.
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1. When going on a trip I like to take my guitar with me.
→ When going on a trip, I like to take my guitar with me.
✔ Comma after "trip": This is a dependent clause (introductory phrase) followed by an independent clause. A comma is needed to separate the introductory element from the main clause.
---
2. I've been to France Germany China and Spain.
→ I've been to France, Germany, China, and Spain.
✔ Commas between items in a list: This is a series of countries. Use commas to separate items in a list. The Oxford comma (before "and") is optional but recommended for clarity.
---
3. Next week I am going to have a party so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
→ Next week, I am going to have a party, so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
✔ Comma after "week": Introductory time phrase.
✔ Comma before "so": "So" is a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses. A comma is required before it.
---
4. There are exactly 489741 people living in this city most of whom take a train a bus or a tram to work.
→ There are exactly 489,741 people living in this city, most of whom take a train, a bus, or a tram to work.
✔ Comma after "city": Non-restrictive relative clause ("most of whom...") adds extra information. It should be set off by a comma.
✔ Commas in the list: "train, a bus, or a tram" — standard list punctuation.
✔ Comma in number: In American English, use commas to separate thousands: 489,741.
---
5. "Look at this" he whispered.
→ "Look at this," he whispered.
✔ Comma inside quotation marks: When a quote is followed by a tag (like "he whispered"), a comma separates the quote from the tag.
---
6. Paulina his wife of many years decided to live in Greece.
→ Paulina, his wife of many years, decided to live in Greece.
✔ Commas around "his wife of many years": This is a non-essential appositive — it gives extra info about Paulina. Since it can be removed without changing the core meaning, it’s set off by commas.
---
7. As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway I was beginning to feel less nervous.
→ As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway, I was beginning to feel less nervous.
✔ Comma after "runway": Introductory dependent clause. Always follow such clauses with a comma.
---
8. The thief had very impractical shoes so he couldn't run very fast.
→ The thief had very impractical shoes, so he couldn't run very fast.
✔ Comma before "so": Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction ("so"). Comma required.
---
9. "I'm warning you" said the teacher "don't even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school."
→ "I'm warning you," said the teacher, "don't even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school."
✔ Comma after "you": Inside the quote, a comma separates the quote from the speaker tag.
✔ Comma after "teacher": The speaker tag is in the middle of the quote, so it's surrounded by commas.
---
10. I dedicate this work to my brothers John Smith and God.
→ I dedicate this work to my brothers, John Smith, and God.
✔ Commas around "John Smith": This is a non-essential appositive — it specifies which brother(s), but since it's not essential to the meaning (we already know they're brothers), it's set off by commas.
⚠️ Note: This sentence may be ambiguous or humorous depending on context. If "God" is meant literally, it might need clarification.
---
11. Sarah the most intelligent pupil in the class was always late for school.
→ Sarah, the most intelligent pupil in the class, was always late for school.
✔ Commas around the appositive: "the most intelligent pupil..." is non-essential information describing Sarah. So it's set off by commas.
---
12. I said that she is intelligent not pretty.
→ I said that she is intelligent, not pretty.
✔ Comma before "not": This is a contrast structure. The comma helps clarify the contrast between "intelligent" and "pretty".
---
13. Once the storm was over we could sail to the island.
→ Once the storm was over, we could sail to the island.
✔ Comma after "over": Introductory dependent clause.
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14. Given the terrible weather conditions it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
→ Given the terrible weather conditions, it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
✔ Comma after "conditions": Introductory phrase.
---
15. India a truly beautiful interesting and exotic country is now a popular tourist destination.
→ India, a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country, is now a popular tourist destination.
✔ Commas around the appositive: "a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country" describes India. It's non-essential, so set off by commas.
✔ Commas in the list: "beautiful, interesting, and exotic" — list of adjectives.
---
16. During lunch at the campus cafeteria Henry noticed the dirty tables the overworked cashiers and the high prices of food.
→ During lunch at the campus cafeteria, Henry noticed the dirty tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices of food.
✔ Comma after "cafeteria": Introductory phrase.
✔ Commas in the list: Three things noticed — use commas to separate.
---
17. During the race I tried to keep up with Mark who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
→ During the race, I tried to keep up with Mark, who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
✔ Comma after "race": Introductory phrase.
✔ Comma after "Mark": "who can run..." is a non-restrictive relative clause (adds extra info, not essential). So comma is needed.
---
18. To study for the exam Bill drank seven cups of coffee which kept him awake all night.
→ To study for the exam, Bill drank seven cups of coffee, which kept him awake all night.
✔ Comma after "exam": Introductory infinitive phrase.
✔ Comma after "coffee": "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause (it's additional info, not defining).
---
19. I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work and my wife gets 12000 USD which is not fair.
→ I only earn $2,000 a month for my hard work, and my wife gets $12,000, which is not fair.
✔ Comma before "and": Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
✔ Comma before "which": "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause.
✔ Currency format: Use "$" symbol and commas in numbers: $2,000, $12,000.
---
20. Ron who is 15 was doing his best to win the contest but he failed.
→ Ron, who is 15, was doing his best to win the contest, but he failed.
✔ Commas around "who is 15": Non-restrictive clause — provides extra info about Ron.
✔ Comma before "but": Joins two independent clauses.
---
Common comma rules applied:
- Introductory phrases/clauses → comma after
- Lists → commas between items; Oxford comma optional but helpful
- Non-essential clauses/appositives → commas around
- Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, etc.) between independent clauses → comma before
- Quotations → commas inside when tags are present
- Numbers → use commas for thousands
---
Task: Put commas in the text.
Let’s analyze the paragraph and insert commas where needed.
> 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 John had very little free time. Nevertheless he 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 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."
---
Now, let's revise it with proper commas:
> 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, John had very little free time. Nevertheless, he 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 $11,000. "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."
---
1. Introductory elements: "Last week", "Because he had just got...", "Nevertheless", "However" → followed by commas.
2. Lists:
- "smart, handsome, and kind"
- "red, green, and blue"
- "time-consuming, demanding, and difficult"
- "free lunch..., and a salary..."
- "go on a long holiday, renovate..., and buy..."
- "fast, comfortable, and safe"
- "drinks, lunches, and so on"
3. Non-essential clauses:
- "who was working that day" → set off by commas
- "who seemed rather tired" → non-essential, so commas
- "which is said to be..." → non-restrictive relative clause
- "which was very nice of him" → non-essential
4. Coordinating conjunctions: "and", "but" → comma before when joining independent clauses.
5. Quotations: Commas inside quotes when speaker tags are used.
6. Numbers: $11,000 instead of 11000.
7. Appositives and parentheticals: Set off by commas.
---
Both exercises require correct use of commas based on:
- Introductory phrases
- Lists (with Oxford comma)
- Non-restrictive clauses
- Coordinating conjunctions
- Quotation marks and speaker tags
- Appositives
These rules ensure clarity, readability, and grammatical correctness.
Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a clean answer sheet!
---
Exercise 1:
Task: Put commas in the sentences. Justify why you put them there.
We'll go through each sentence, add appropriate commas, and explain the reasoning.
---
1. When going on a trip I like to take my guitar with me.
→ When going on a trip, I like to take my guitar with me.
✔ Comma after "trip": This is a dependent clause (introductory phrase) followed by an independent clause. A comma is needed to separate the introductory element from the main clause.
---
2. I've been to France Germany China and Spain.
→ I've been to France, Germany, China, and Spain.
✔ Commas between items in a list: This is a series of countries. Use commas to separate items in a list. The Oxford comma (before "and") is optional but recommended for clarity.
---
3. Next week I am going to have a party so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
→ Next week, I am going to have a party, so I invited my friends Mark and Sue.
✔ Comma after "week": Introductory time phrase.
✔ Comma before "so": "So" is a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses. A comma is required before it.
---
4. There are exactly 489741 people living in this city most of whom take a train a bus or a tram to work.
→ There are exactly 489,741 people living in this city, most of whom take a train, a bus, or a tram to work.
✔ Comma after "city": Non-restrictive relative clause ("most of whom...") adds extra information. It should be set off by a comma.
✔ Commas in the list: "train, a bus, or a tram" — standard list punctuation.
✔ Comma in number: In American English, use commas to separate thousands: 489,741.
---
5. "Look at this" he whispered.
→ "Look at this," he whispered.
✔ Comma inside quotation marks: When a quote is followed by a tag (like "he whispered"), a comma separates the quote from the tag.
---
6. Paulina his wife of many years decided to live in Greece.
→ Paulina, his wife of many years, decided to live in Greece.
✔ Commas around "his wife of many years": This is a non-essential appositive — it gives extra info about Paulina. Since it can be removed without changing the core meaning, it’s set off by commas.
---
7. As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway I was beginning to feel less nervous.
→ As the plane was coming to a halt on the runway, I was beginning to feel less nervous.
✔ Comma after "runway": Introductory dependent clause. Always follow such clauses with a comma.
---
8. The thief had very impractical shoes so he couldn't run very fast.
→ The thief had very impractical shoes, so he couldn't run very fast.
✔ Comma before "so": Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction ("so"). Comma required.
---
9. "I'm warning you" said the teacher "don't even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school."
→ "I'm warning you," said the teacher, "don't even try to cheat or else you will be expelled from school."
✔ Comma after "you": Inside the quote, a comma separates the quote from the speaker tag.
✔ Comma after "teacher": The speaker tag is in the middle of the quote, so it's surrounded by commas.
---
10. I dedicate this work to my brothers John Smith and God.
→ I dedicate this work to my brothers, John Smith, and God.
✔ Commas around "John Smith": This is a non-essential appositive — it specifies which brother(s), but since it's not essential to the meaning (we already know they're brothers), it's set off by commas.
⚠️ Note: This sentence may be ambiguous or humorous depending on context. If "God" is meant literally, it might need clarification.
---
11. Sarah the most intelligent pupil in the class was always late for school.
→ Sarah, the most intelligent pupil in the class, was always late for school.
✔ Commas around the appositive: "the most intelligent pupil..." is non-essential information describing Sarah. So it's set off by commas.
---
12. I said that she is intelligent not pretty.
→ I said that she is intelligent, not pretty.
✔ Comma before "not": This is a contrast structure. The comma helps clarify the contrast between "intelligent" and "pretty".
---
13. Once the storm was over we could sail to the island.
→ Once the storm was over, we could sail to the island.
✔ Comma after "over": Introductory dependent clause.
---
14. Given the terrible weather conditions it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
→ Given the terrible weather conditions, it is surprising that the holiday was so enjoyable.
✔ Comma after "conditions": Introductory phrase.
---
15. India a truly beautiful interesting and exotic country is now a popular tourist destination.
→ India, a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country, is now a popular tourist destination.
✔ Commas around the appositive: "a truly beautiful, interesting, and exotic country" describes India. It's non-essential, so set off by commas.
✔ Commas in the list: "beautiful, interesting, and exotic" — list of adjectives.
---
16. During lunch at the campus cafeteria Henry noticed the dirty tables the overworked cashiers and the high prices of food.
→ During lunch at the campus cafeteria, Henry noticed the dirty tables, the overworked cashiers, and the high prices of food.
✔ Comma after "cafeteria": Introductory phrase.
✔ Commas in the list: Three things noticed — use commas to separate.
---
17. During the race I tried to keep up with Mark who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
→ During the race, I tried to keep up with Mark, who can run 100 meters in under 12 seconds.
✔ Comma after "race": Introductory phrase.
✔ Comma after "Mark": "who can run..." is a non-restrictive relative clause (adds extra info, not essential). So comma is needed.
---
18. To study for the exam Bill drank seven cups of coffee which kept him awake all night.
→ To study for the exam, Bill drank seven cups of coffee, which kept him awake all night.
✔ Comma after "exam": Introductory infinitive phrase.
✔ Comma after "coffee": "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause (it's additional info, not defining).
---
19. I only earn 2000 USD a month for my hard work and my wife gets 12000 USD which is not fair.
→ I only earn $2,000 a month for my hard work, and my wife gets $12,000, which is not fair.
✔ Comma before "and": Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
✔ Comma before "which": "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause.
✔ Currency format: Use "$" symbol and commas in numbers: $2,000, $12,000.
---
20. Ron who is 15 was doing his best to win the contest but he failed.
→ Ron, who is 15, was doing his best to win the contest, but he failed.
✔ Commas around "who is 15": Non-restrictive clause — provides extra info about Ron.
✔ Comma before "but": Joins two independent clauses.
---
✔ Summary for Exercise 1:
Common comma rules applied:
- Introductory phrases/clauses → comma after
- Lists → commas between items; Oxford comma optional but helpful
- Non-essential clauses/appositives → commas around
- Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, etc.) between independent clauses → comma before
- Quotations → commas inside when tags are present
- Numbers → use commas for thousands
---
Exercise 2:
Task: Put commas in the text.
Let’s analyze the paragraph and insert commas where needed.
> 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 John had very little free time. Nevertheless he 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 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."
---
Now, let's revise it with proper commas:
> 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, John had very little free time. Nevertheless, he 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 $11,000. "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."
---
✔ Explanation of Key Changes:
1. Introductory elements: "Last week", "Because he had just got...", "Nevertheless", "However" → followed by commas.
2. Lists:
- "smart, handsome, and kind"
- "red, green, and blue"
- "time-consuming, demanding, and difficult"
- "free lunch..., and a salary..."
- "go on a long holiday, renovate..., and buy..."
- "fast, comfortable, and safe"
- "drinks, lunches, and so on"
3. Non-essential clauses:
- "who was working that day" → set off by commas
- "who seemed rather tired" → non-essential, so commas
- "which is said to be..." → non-restrictive relative clause
- "which was very nice of him" → non-essential
4. Coordinating conjunctions: "and", "but" → comma before when joining independent clauses.
5. Quotations: Commas inside quotes when speaker tags are used.
6. Numbers: $11,000 instead of 11000.
7. Appositives and parentheticals: Set off by commas.
---
✔ Final Answer Summary:
Both exercises require correct use of commas based on:
- Introductory phrases
- Lists (with Oxford comma)
- Non-restrictive clauses
- Coordinating conjunctions
- Quotation marks and speaker tags
- Appositives
These rules ensure clarity, readability, and grammatical correctness.
Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a clean answer sheet!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of punctuation practice worksheet for high school.
