Correct answers are in bold. Incorrect answers are in italics.

   C    He left the scene of the accident and tried to forget that it had happened.

   3    Oil, which is lighter than water, rises to the surface.

Rule 3: Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

   6    Madame de Stael was an attractive, gracious lady.

Rule 6: Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.

   1    Nice is a word with many meanings, and some of them are contradictory.

Rule 1: Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

   C    The contractor testified that the house was completed and that the work had been done properly.

   C    Some people refuse to go to the zoo because of pity for creatures that must live in small cages.

   C    Taxicabs that are dirty are illegal in some cities.

   5    The closet contained worn clothes, old shoes, and dirty hats.

Rule 5: Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

   C    The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.

   2    After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved.

Rule 2: Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

   3    Mark Twain's early novels, I believe, stand the test of time.

Rule 3: Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

   9    December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten.

Rule 9: Use commas to separate all geographical names, items in dates (except between the month and day), addresses (except between the street number and name), and titles in names.

   7    The field was safe enough, wasn't it?

Rule 7: Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.

   9    Write the editor of the Atlantic, 8 Arlington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

Rule 9: Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

   10    He replied, "I have no idea what you mean."

Rule 10: Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.

   2    After a good washing and grooming, the pup looked like a new dog.

Rule 2: Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

   2    Because of their opposition to institutions that force creatures to live in captivity, some people refuse to go to the zoo.

Rule 2: Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

   C    Men who are bald are frequently the ones who are the most authoritative on the subject of baldness.

   3    Vests, which were once popular, have been out of vogue for several years.

Rule 3: Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

   2    As a celestial goddess, she regulated the course of the heavenly bodies and controlled the alternating seasons.

Rule 2: Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

   C    I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.