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Comma, Dash, Ellipsis? ONE
Comma, Dash, Ellipsis? TWO
Fix The Sentence...
If An Author...
Key Terms
100

This piece of punctuation can be used for all of the following: to separate items in a list to show a minor pause in a sentence to show that information is slightly set apart from the rest of a sentence

What is a comma

100
This piece of punctuation is used when a character is speaking and then has an unfinished thought.
An ellipsis
100
Read the sentence. Although I prefer spaghetti I am quite fond of pizza and cake. Where would you insert a comma to fix this sentence?
Although I prefer spaghetti, I am quite fond of pizza and cake.
100
If an author wants to add a second topic to a sentence, they would use __________________.
dashes If an author wants to add a second topic to a sentence, they would use dashes.
100
This piece of punctuation can be used to separate three items in a list.
A comma.
200
Among other things, I love music, dancing, and [ ] my favorite [ ] Snapchat! What piece of punctuation would fix this sentence?
A dash Among other things, I love music, dancing, and - my favorite - Snapchat!
200

These two pieces of punctuation can be used to set aside additional information from the main clause

A dash or a comma My brother, a stubborn boy, would not admit when he lied. My brother - a stubborn boy - would not admit when he lied.

200
Read this sentence. I need to get bananas lemons and watermelon at the store. Where would you insert commas to fix it?
I need to get bananas, lemons, and watermelon at the store.
200
If an author wants to show how a character remained silent, they would use __________________.
If an author wants to show how a character remained silent, they would use ellipses.
200

What is the name of this punctuation. (,)

A comma.

300

An ellipsis is most often used to do what?

To omit information from a quote; trail off in thought

300
Read this sentence. She said “I am certain by the way that I can go to the movie on Saturday.” Where should punctuation be inserted in this sentence?
Two correct answers: She said “I am certain, by the way, that I can go to the movie on Saturday.” She said “I am certain - by the way - that I can go to the movie on Saturday.”
300

Read this sentence. While Kiki waited for the taxi she realized she lost her book and didn't know where it was. Where should commas be inserted in this sentence?

After TAXI and after BOOK While Kiki waited for the taxi, she realized she lost her book and didn't know where it was.

300
If an author wants to add additional information to a sentence, they could use ___________ or _____________.
If an author wants to add additional information to a sentence, they could use commas or dashes. My dog - a border collie - loves to run and play. My dog, a border collie, loves to run and play.
300

What is the name of this punctuation. (. . .)

An ellipsis

400
"Where am I [ ]" he said, as his voice drifted off. What piece of punctuation would fix this sentence?
An ellipsis "Where am I..." he said, as his voice drifted off.
400

In the sentence: I can't remember why I came in to the garage . . . the ellipsis is most likely used to show what?

an unfinished thought

400
Read the sentence. After thirty years of service my father retired from the fire department. Where would you insert a comma to fix this sentence?
After thirty years of service, my father retired from the fire department.
400
An author wants to include a physical description of a character immediately after her name. She should use a ______________.
An author wants to include a physical description of a character immediately after her name. She should use a comma. My best friend is Sara, a fun and intelligent girl.
400

What is the name of this punctuation. (--)

An em dash

500

In the sentence: I think I just got . . . an idea! the ellipsis is most likely used to show what?

A pause in speech

500
Because I left school early today [ ] I missed the fun project! Which piece of punctuation belongs in the brackets?
a comma Because I left school early today, I missed the fun project!
500
"In my dream, we went to the store. Then [ ]" his voice trailed off. What TWO pieces of punctuation could an author use in this example?
an Ellipsis OR a dash
500
What punctuation belongs in the brackets in this sentence? My mom cooked my favorite breakfast [ ] eggs, bacon, hash browns, and orange juice.
A dash My mom cooked my favorite breakfast - eggs, bacon, hash browns, and orange juice.
500
This piece of punctuation is used to omit a word from a quotation.
An ellipsis