Commas WS

THE BEST ACT PREP COURSE EVER
COMMAS
ACT English: Problem Set
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COMMAS QUESTIONS THE BEST ACT PREP COURSE EVER
Correct the comma error(s) in the following sentences or write “no error.”
1. John has been practicing law, since 2005 when he first passed the Bar in Illinois and was hired at a legal firm in Chicago. (73C 1)
2. Joline studied abroad in Korea, where she took an intensive, Korean, course and interned at a local marketing firm. (73C 5)
3. The glossy brochures depicted products, and services that were offered at the location. (73C 20)
4. Yesterday, the two authors faced writer’s block for the first time in three months. Nonetheless, they continued with absolute willpower
with similarly, a steadfast cheerfulness and optimism that inspired the rest of the novel. (73C 21)
5. Although the boy and his father were both quite tall for their respective ages and enjoyed playing basketball they were by no means
particularly gifted at the sport. (73C 47)
6. The Berlin Wall, built by the German Democratic Republic in 1961, was constructed for several reasons, one of which was to prevent
emigration and defection from East Germany. (73C 49)
7. Both the tapestries, and the stained glass contributed to the castle’s regal aesthetic. (73C 53)
8. After winning a major battle during the War of 1812 major general, Andrew Jackson, received national recognition for the victory
even though the battle had actually taken place after the peace treaty was signed. (73C 61)
9. Paul understood that if let go once his contract ended, he, as an independent consultant, might face indefinite unemployment while
he looked for another job. (73C 64)
10. When the company developed larger, faster monitors, it discontinued the original. (73 71)
11. The civil rights group appealed the court’s decision, requesting that greater pains be taken, to rectify the situation. (70C 28)
12. To the casual observer a tide pool, might look silent and devoid of life. (73G 16)
13. As a motivational speaker, the woman mentions several things that successful people strive for such as, a good, work ethic and a
cheerful attitude. (70C 50)
14. As the architect perused the client’s requests for a mid-century modern design steel, fiberglass, and concrete furnishings quickly came
to mind. (72F 5)
15. The interviewer asked Amy, if she had any particular interests or hobbies relevant to the position she was applying for. (74H 24)

Choose the correct answer from the following options.
1. While diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus is very 7. The comet, is often likened to a dirty snowball, is an icy
common, many people cannot afford the medication or body in space that releases dust and gas. (73G 50)
dismiss the symptoms as aging side effects. (74H 73)
A. NO CHANGE
A. NO CHANGE B. comet is often likened to a dirty snowball, and
B. diabetes also known as diabetes mellitus, is very C. comet, often likened to a dirty snowball,
common, D. comet, often likened to a dirty snowball, and
C. diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is very
common,
8. The guide led the group through an entryway mess of hats
D. diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is very
and coats. (70C 8)
common
A. NO CHANGE
B. group through an entryway;
2. As the precipitate formed bubbles rose to the surface.
C. group, through an entryway,
(73C 36)
D. group through an entryway,
A. NO CHANGE
B. precipitate formed, bubbles
9. Oxen pulling wagons plod along dusty trails toward the West
C. precipitate, formed bubbles
Coast. (73G 19)
D. precipitate formed bubbles,
A. NO CHANGE
3. I was a foolish student wasting time with video games. B. Oxen, pulling wagons,
(73G 45) C. Oxen pulling wagons,
D. Oxen, pulling wagons
A. NO CHANGE
B. student, wasting time,
C. student wasting time, 10. Casting over 50 actors, both union and non-union, the
D. student: wasting time play was one of the largest to be produced in at least a
decade. (73C 67)
4. Empress Elisabeth is a historical figure who, according A. NO CHANGE
to historians, was instrumental in uniting Austria and B. actors, whom were
Hungary as a dual monarchy. C. actors, are from
A. NO CHANGE D. actors:
B. who: according to historians,
C. who, according to historians 11. But her favorite she says is chemistry. (73G 63)
D. who according to historians, A. NO CHANGE
B. But her favorite, she says
5. Therefore, although a small amount of air still remains: C. But her favorite, she says,
products can be shipped long distances without fear of D. But her favorite she says,
spoiling. (71H 48)
A. NO CHANGE 12. It was almost evening when my sister, and I arrived at
B. remains products the talent show, an annual event that the neighborhood
C. remains, products hosted in the summer. (70C 1)
D. remains products, A. NO CHANGE
B. sister and I arrived,
6. The NAACP used boycotts, sit-ins, and more to protest C. sister, and I, arrived
the denial of African Americans, and other people of color D. sister and I arrived
their rights as citizens, namely just treatment. (70C 39)
A. NO CHANGE
B. denial, of African Americans,
C. denial, of African Americans
D. denial of African Americans

13. Jenna is so forgetful that she always leaves something at

home, whether it’s her house key wallet, or phone. (71H 35)
A. NO CHANGE
B. key wallet or
C. key, wallet or,
D. key, wallet, or
14. In Madison County, Arkansas, a fallen tree due to a

tornado that destroyed the roots crushed three cars. (73G 31)
A. NO CHANGE
B. tree, due to
C. tree due to,
D. tree due, to
15. Goya’s Pinturas Negras, a series of 14 paintings painted

near the end of Goya’s career, which depicted dark, haunting
figures whose facial expressions were rich with emotion. (73C
31)
A. NO CHANGE
B. career are
C. career, depicted
D. career,

The Bagpipe 16. A. NO CHANGE

B. tune, that nearly everyone, has heard is
With a distinct melodious sound and iconic design, bagpipes C. tune, that nearly everyone has heard, is
are easy to spot, particularly when they appear in films such D. tune. That nearly everyone has heard, is
as Dead Poets Society and Braveheart. Perhaps the most famous
bagpipe tune that nearly everyone has heard is called “Scotland the 17. A. NO CHANGE
16 B. unofficial national anthems,
C. unofficial, national anthems
Brave.”
D. unofficial, national, anthems
While it is a Scottish patriotic song, and was even considered
one of Scotland’s unofficial national anthems the melody is almost 18. A. NO CHANGE
17 B. bagpipes the Great
universally recognizable. In fact, though there are many types of C. bagpipes. The Great
traditional bagpipes, the Great Highland Bagpipe from Scotland is D. bagpipes the Great,
18
19. A. NO CHANGE
quite synonymous with the instrument itself. B. invented, archeologists
Although no one really knows when or where the first bagpipe C. invented, archeologists,
was invented archeologists have discovered sculptures of bagpipes D. invented. Archeologists
19
in the Middle East dated before 1000 BC. Ancient Roman texts 20. A. NO CHANGE
B. times however the
also describe emperors playing instruments resembling bagpipes in
C. times, however the
the 2nd century AD. In modern times; however, the bagpipe is D. times, however, the
20
used in several countries including Scotland, Bulgaria, and Turkey. 21. A. NO CHANGE
The simplest bagpipe consists of [21] an air supply, a chanter, B. an air supply, a chanter, a bag, and, at least, one drone.
a bag, and, at least one drone. The most common type of air supply C. an air supply, a chanter, a bag, and at least one drone.
D. an air supply; a chanter; a bag; and at least one drone.
is a blowpipe, or blowstick, through which the musician blows to
produce sound vibrations throughout the instrument. The chanter 22. A. NO CHANGE
resembles the body of the flute; and it is the main method by B. flute, and it is the
22 C. flute and it is the
which musicians change notes and keys. [23] Allowing the D. flute, and, it is the
player, to produce continuous sound, the airtight bag keeps the
23. A. NO CHANGE
air confined. The drone is a pipe without holes that produces a
B. Allowing the player to produce continuous sound,
constant droning sound in addition to the one produced by the C. Allowing, the player to produce continuous sound
chanter. Many bagpipes have more than one drone, and, some even D. Allowing the player, to produce continuous sound
24
have more than one chanter, depending on what kinds of sounds 24. A. NO CHANGE
the bagpipe is designed to play. B. one drone and some
C. one drone; and some
D. one drone, and some

In recent times, bagpipes are most commonly used in funerals 25. A. NO CHANGE
25 B. In recent times. Bagpipes
and memorial services for [26] fire departments, police forces, C. In recent times; bagpipes
D. In recent times bagpipes,
and military forces in the [27] United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada
and the United States. However, the bagpipe has fallen out of 26. A. NO CHANGE
use in many regions because of its limited range of keys and, B. fire departments, police, forces, and military, forces
consequently, limited function. C. fire departments, police forces and military forces
D. fire departments; police forces; and military forces
27. A. NO CHANGE
B. United Kingdom; Ireland; Canada; and the United States
C. United, Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the United States
D. United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the United States

COMMAS ANSWERS THE BEST ACT PREP COURSE EVER
ANSWER KEY
1. John has been practicing law since 2005, when he first passed the Bar in Illinois and was hired at a legal firm in Chicago.
2. Joline studied abroad in Korea, where she took an intensive Korean course and interned at a local marketing firm.
3. The glossy brochures depicted products and services that were offered at the location.
4. Yesterday, the two authors faced writer’s block for the first time in three months. Nonetheless, they continued with absolute
willpower, with, similarly, a steadfast cheerfulness and optimism that inspired the rest of the novel.
5. Although the boy and his father were both quite tall for their respective ages and enjoyed playing basketball, they were by
no means particularly gifted at the sport.
6. No Error
7. Both the tapestries and the stained glass contributed to the castle’s regal aesthetic.
8. After winning a major battle during the War of 1812, major general Andrew Jackson received national recognition for the
victory, even though the battle had actually taken place after the peace treaty was signed.
9. No Error
10. No Error
11. The civil rights group appealed the court’s decision, requesting that greater pains be taken to rectify the situation.
12. To the casual observer, a tide pool might look silent and devoid of life.
13. As a motivational speaker, the woman mentions several things that successful people strive for, such as a good work ethic
and a cheerful attitude.
14. As the architect perused the client’s requests for a mid-century modern design, steel, fiberglass, and concrete furnishings
quickly came to mind.
15. The interviewer asked Amy if she had any hobbies or activities that she liked to do during her free time.

ANSWER KEY
1. C 2. B 3. A 4. A 5. C 6. D 7. C 8. A 9. A 10. A 11. C 12. D 13. D 14. A
15. C 16. A 17. B 18. A 19. B 20. D 21. C 22. B 23. B 24. D 25. A 26. A 27. D
ANSWER EXPLANATIONS
1. C. The comma needs to come after “mellitus” to set off the detail about its scientific name.
2. B. The comma is needed after the dependent clause modifier that introduces why the bubbles rose to the surface.
3. A. The phrase “wasting time” is used to describe the student appropriately without a comma.
4. A. This sentence appropriately uses the comma to set off the detail about the historians.
5. C. The comma is used after the dependent clause modifier that contradicts the next idea in the sentence.
6. D. The comma is misplaced before the coordinating conjunction because only one group is listed, so the comma does
not function to separate things in a series.
7. C. Removing “is” enables clarity and allows the modifier to be properly set off by commas.
8. A. The phrase “through an entryway” is a modifier after “group” and should not be set off by commas; the sentence
uses commas appropriately as is.
9. A. This sentence appropriately uses the subject-verb-object structure without commas.
10. A. This sentence appropriately uses the comma before “both” to set off the beginning of the phrase and correspond to
the comma at the end of the phrase.
11. C. The commas are needed to set off the phrase “she says” because it is a detail about who commented about the
favorite.
12. D. The comma is misplaced and must be removed because in the sentence it reads that “and I arrived at the talent
show” is set off as a separate detail. However, the phrase should read that “my sister and I arrived at the talent show.”
13. D. The oxford comma is used to separate a series of three or more things.
14. A. Commas are not needed to separate the detail about the tree’s fall. Moreover, the other options present incorrect
ways of using commas to set off a modifying phrase.
15. C. Commas are needed on either side of the phrase describing Pinturas Negras. “Which” can be removed to avoid a run
on sentence, so “depicted” can come immediately after the comma to continue the thought before the modifying detail.
16. A. Generally, “that” does not motivate a comma and clauses beginning with that should not be offset by pairs of
commas; thus A is better than C. Choice D creates sentence fragments, while choice B creates a phrase sandwiched
between commas that would be awkward to remove.
17. B. The word “while” at the beginning of the sentence requires a comma to separate this dependent clause with the
independent clause that finishes the sentence. Only choice B has a comma that separates the sentence’s two clauses.
18. A. The word “though” indicates a dependent clause that must be followed by a comma before the independent clause
begins. The subject of that independent clause is “the Great Highland Bagpipe” so the best placement for the comma is
before this phrase, as we see only in choice A.
19. B. The word “although” indicates a dependent clause that must be followed by a comma before the independent clause
begins. The subject of that independent clause is “archeologists” so the best placement for the comma is before this
word, as we see only in choices B and C. However, choice C awkwardly separates the subject “archeologists” from its
verb “have” with a single comma. Thus B is correct.
20. D. Choice A incorrectly separates a phrase (“In modern times”) from the rest of the sentence using a semicolon. While
“; however,” is a good pattern to link two independent clauses, here it is misused. We can never use a semicolon after a
lone phrase. Instead, here we have however as a near interjection adverb, and it should be surrounded by two commas
as in choice D. Choice C misleads the reader to believe “however” is being used differently (“However the bagpipe is
used” appears to mean “in whatever way the bagpipe is used”) from its intended meaning, simply to add contrast, and
as a result, the sentence falls apart if you read to the end with this choice. Choice B fails to offset the opening phrase
“In modern times” with a comma. Opening phrases should be offset by commas.
21. C. “And” should generally not be followed by a comma. Choice A is thus incorrect. Choice B changes the meaning
of the sentence, connoting a sense of frustration from the phrase “at least” that is inappropriate. D unnecessarily uses
semicolons when commas will do. Only use semicolons to replace commas when commas would create confusion.
Choice C is correct.

22. B. A is incorrect: do not combine “;” with “and” to link clauses; you only need one or the other plus a comma. B is correct;
it correctly combines two independent clauses with the word “and” and a comma. C does not place a comma in front of the
and, but because the second clause is complete, it’s better to use a comma before this coordinating conjunction if possible.
Thus B is still a better answer. D incorrectly places a comma after “and.”
23. B. A is incorrect as it is not appropriate to imagine “to produce a continuous sound” is a non-essential (removeable) phrase,
as a pair of surrounding commas would indicate. WIthout this phrase the sentence doesn’t make as much sense. B is correct
as the phrase that begins with the participle “Allowing” needs to be followed by a comma and then the subject of the
sentence. Only B creates this traditional structure. Choice D does not follow the participial phrase with a subject as it should
(see Modifiers for more explanation). Choice C is awkward.
24. D. Choice A incorrectly places a comma after the word “and.” Choice B fails to add a comma before the “and.” Whenever
“and” links two clauses (subject-verb then subject-verb) it is best to use a comma before the “and” as in choice D.
Remember “some” is a subject. C is incorrect: never use “and” with a semicolon to join two independent clauses!
25. A. Choice A correctly separates an introductory phrase (“In recent times”) from the rest of the sentence using a comma.
Choice B creates a fragment. Choice C is incorrect: we can never use a semicolon after a lone phrase. Choice D awkwardly
separates the subject bagpipes from its verb by a single comma. Don’t use a single comma between a subject and verb.
26. A. Choice A clearly separates items in a list in a logical manner. Choice B awkwardly puts a comma between
“police”/”military” and “forces” when police and military are used here as single adjectives and no comma between these
words and forces is necessary. Choice C omits the Oxford comma after “police forces.” Though this choice is technically
correct, A is slightly clearer. If given a choice, keep the Oxford comma before the “and” for clarity. It is unlikely the
ACT will test you on Oxford commas, but it’s still a good rule to know. (Without is not “wrong” but it could be unclear
depending on the context). Choice D unnecessarily uses semicolons when commas will do. Only use semicolons to replace
commas when commas would create confusion.
27. D. Choice D clearly separates items in a list in a logical manner. Choice C places a comma between United and Kingdom,
implying each is a country. These two words comprise the name of a single country. Choice B unnecessarily uses
semicolons when commas will do. Only use semicolons to replace commas in separating items in a list when commas
would create confusion. Choice A is technically (borderline) correct. However, it omits the Oxford comma after “Canada.”
D is slightly clearer. If given a choice, keep the Oxford comma before the “and” for clarity. It is unlikely the ACT will test
you on Oxford commas, but it’s still a good rule to know. (Without is not “wrong” but it could be unclear depending on the
context-- here it seems as if “Canada and the United States” might be a single entity that contains the word “and”– think
how “Trinidad and Tobago” is an entity that contains “and”).

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THE BEST ACT PREP COURSE EVER

Choose the correct answer from the following options.

13. Jenna is so forgetful that she always leaves something at

14. In Madison County, Arkansas, a fallen tree due to a

15. Goya’s Pinturas Negras, a series of 14 paintings painted

The Bagpipe 16. A. NO CHANGE

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