Commas
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ACT English › Commas
An informational article about public libraries argues that modern libraries are more than book lenders. Many now offer free workshops on résumé writing, language learning, and basic coding. The article profiles a branch that transformed an unused storage area into a small makerspace with tools for crafting and electronics. Patrons can reserve equipment, attend demonstrations, or collaborate on projects. The librarian explained that the goal is to provide resources that people need, and cannot easily access elsewhere.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
that people need and
that people need. And
NO CHANGE
that people need; and
Explanation
This question tests the rule against inserting commas in restrictive relative clauses with compound elements. The sentence explains providing 'resources that people need, and cannot easily access elsewhere,' where 'that' introduces a restrictive clause modifying 'resources,' with 'need' and 'cannot easily access' as compound verbs joined by 'and.' The comma before 'and' unnecessarily separates the compound, as restrictive clauses do not require internal commas for parallel verbs. Choice B removes the comma, correctly forming 'that people need and cannot easily access' as a unified clause. Choice A retains the error; C adds a semicolon, splitting the clause; and D uses a period, creating a fragment. When 'that' clauses contain compounds, treat them like simple sentences and avoid commas before 'and' unless listing three or more items.
During my first week at the community garden, I expected quiet work and small talk. Instead, I learned that planning matters as much as planting. Our coordinator asked us to list what we needed before the next workday: gloves, trowels, and a watering can. Then she reminded us that the shed stays locked unless a volunteer signs it out, so we made a checklist and posted it by the gate.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
NO CHANGE
so we made a checklist, and
so we made a checklist; and
so we made a checklist and,
Explanation
This question tests the use of commas in compound sentences joined by coordinating conjunctions. The sentence contains two independent clauses: "she reminded us that the shed stays locked unless a volunteer signs it out" and "we made a checklist and posted it by the gate," connected by the coordinating conjunction "so." When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma must precede the conjunction. Choice A correctly places a comma before "so" and no comma after "and" (since "posted it by the gate" is not an independent clause). Choice B omits the necessary comma before "so," creating a comma splice error, while choices C and D use incorrect punctuation combinations.
My aunt grows herbs on her windowsill in mismatched mugs and jars. When I visit, she snips basil for pasta, mint for tea, and rosemary for roasted vegetables. She insists that fresh herbs make cooking easier, not harder because they add flavor without extra steps.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
not harder,
not; harder
not, harder
NO CHANGE
Explanation
This question tests comma usage in contrasting expressions. The phrase "not harder" creates a contrast with the earlier statement about cooking being "easier." This construction ("easier, not harder") uses parallel structure to emphasize the contrast. The original correctly punctuates this contrast without additional commas around "not harder." Choice A is correct as written. Choices B, C, and D add unnecessary punctuation that disrupts the natural flow of the contrasting phrase. Simple contrasting phrases like this don't require additional comma separation when they're brief and closely connected to the main idea.
My grandfather taught me to fix a flat tire in the driveway behind his garage. First, he said, loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground. Next, jack up the car and remove the wheel. Finally put on the spare, tighten the nuts in a star pattern, and lower the car carefully.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
NO CHANGE
Finally, put
Finally; put
Finally put,
Explanation
This question tests comma usage after introductory adverbs. "Finally" is an introductory transitional adverb that should be followed by a comma to separate it from the main clause. The original lacks this comma, creating awkward flow. Choice B correctly adds the comma after "Finally." Choices C and D use incorrect punctuation (semicolon and misplaced comma). Introductory transitional words and phrases like "finally," "however," and "therefore" should be followed by commas to clearly separate them from the main sentence content.
Her favorite hobbies are painting, reading and hiking.
reading, and
reading, and,
reading and,
NO CHANGE
Explanation
This question tests comma usage in a series of items. The sentence lists three hobbies: "painting, reading and hiking." In any series of three or more items, commas should separate each item, with the serial comma (Oxford comma) appearing before the coordinating conjunction "and" that introduces the final item. Choice D correctly adds the comma after "reading" to properly separate all items in the series. Choice A omits this necessary comma, potentially creating confusion about whether "reading and hiking" might be considered a combined activity. Choice C incorrectly places the comma after "and," which separates the conjunction from its object "hiking." Choice B adds both commas inappropriately. The serial comma helps maintain clarity and parallel structure in lists of three or more items.
For a class project, I interviewed my grandmother about the first job she held after high school. She worked at a small radio station, filing records and answering phones, but she also learned to cue music for live broadcasts. When a DJ called in sick, she sometimes filled in, reading weather updates and introducing songs. She said the job taught her to speak clearly even when she felt nervous. Her favorite part was the studio itself, with its bright, blue walls and heavy soundproof door.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
bright blue, walls
bright blue walls
NO CHANGE
bright, blue, walls
Explanation
This question tests the rule for comma usage with cumulative adjectives, where no comma is needed if one adjective modifies the combination of the next adjective and noun. In 'bright blue walls,' 'bright' modifies 'blue,' describing the shade, making them cumulative rather than coordinate adjectives that equally describe 'walls.' Adding a comma would incorrectly imply the adjectives are interchangeable. Choice B correctly removes the comma between 'bright' and 'blue.' Choice A inserts an unneeded comma, while choices C and D add excessive commas that separate elements unnecessarily. Test adjectives by inserting 'and' between them; if it sounds unnatural, they are cumulative and need no comma.
At the start of the semester, our teacher asked everyone to keep a reading journal. Some entries were simple summaries, but over time I began to write questions in the margins and trace themes across chapters. I noticed that when I paused to reflect, I remembered details more clearly during discussions. The journal became less like homework and more like a conversation with the text. To stay consistent I set aside ten minutes each night for writing.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
To stay consistent; I set aside
To stay consistent, I set aside
NO CHANGE
To stay consistent, I, set aside
Explanation
This question tests the use of commas after introductory phrases. The sentence begins with an infinitive phrase "To stay consistent," introducing the main clause "I set aside ten minutes each night for writing." The rule requires a comma after introductory phrases to separate them from the main clause for better readability. The correct choice is B, which adds the comma after "consistent" to properly set off the introductory phrase. Choice A omits the comma, creating a potential run-on feel; choice C uses a semicolon, which is too strong for an introductory phrase; choice D adds an extra, unnecessary comma after "I." Scan for introductory elements like phrases or clauses at the start of sentences and ensure they are followed by a comma.
The historical museum, which we visited last summer, had an extensive exhibit on the civil war including uniforms, weapons and personal letters from soldiers.
weapons and,
NO CHANGE
weapons, and
weapons, and,
Explanation
This question tests comma usage in a series of three items. The sentence lists "uniforms, weapons and personal letters" as items in the Civil War exhibit. In a series of three or more items, commas should separate each item, with the serial comma (Oxford comma) appearing before the coordinating conjunction "and" in the final position. Choice D correctly adds the comma after "weapons" to properly separate the second and third items in the series. Choice A lacks this necessary comma, creating a run-on series. Choice C incorrectly places the comma after "and," which separates the conjunction from its object. Choice B adds both commas, creating redundant punctuation. Always use commas to separate items in a series, including the serial comma before "and."
The novel, although fictional explores real-life issues.
NO CHANGE
although fictional, explores
although fictional explores,
although, fictional explores
Explanation
This question tests comma usage with concessive phrases that interrupt main clauses. The phrase "although fictional" is a concessive clause that interrupts the main sentence "The novel explores real-life issues." When an interrupting phrase appears within a sentence, it should be enclosed by commas on both sides to clearly separate it from the main clause. Choice C correctly places commas around "although fictional," properly setting off this parenthetical element. Choice A fails to provide the necessary closing comma after "fictional," leaving the interrupting phrase incomplete. Choice B incorrectly places a comma after "although," which separates the subordinating conjunction from its adjective "fictional." Choice D adds an inappropriate comma at the end. Concessive phrases that interrupt main clauses require balanced comma placement for proper sentence structure.
My neighborhood association publishes a monthly newsletter about local issues. One article outlined a plan to reduce traffic near the elementary school by adjusting crosswalk timing and adding bike racks. Another article profiled a retired firefighter who now teaches first-aid workshops. The editor invited residents to submit ideas for future topics. The newsletter is useful, it also feels like a record of who we are.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
The newsletter is useful, and it also feels
NO CHANGE
The newsletter is useful it also feels
The newsletter is useful; it also feels
Explanation
This question tests the correction of comma splices in compound sentences. The sentence has two independent clauses: "The newsletter is useful" and "it also feels like a record of who we are," improperly joined by only a comma. The rule states that two independent clauses need a coordinating conjunction with a comma or a semicolon to connect them correctly. The correct choice is C, which adds "and" after the comma to properly join the clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Choice A keeps the comma splice; choice B uses a semicolon, which works but changes the flow without a conjunction; choice D removes all punctuation, creating a run-on. To spot comma splices, check if both parts of the sentence can stand alone as complete sentences.