Test yourself

Decide whether or not a comma is required where indicated.

1. Filled with loathing and trepidation, Jorge took one hesitant step after another[ ] advancing slowly and inexorably[ ] toward the pit of snakes.
   

   Answer 1a:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
   

   Answer 1b:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
2. I don’t know about you[ ] but I would hire Claude to renovate the sunroom if he were available.
   

   Answer 2:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
3. Arthur, the first boy in his class to kiss a girl[ ] was immensely proud of his accomplishment.
   

   Answer 3:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
4. The Perfect Storm is the harrowing tale of how the Andrea Gail, a swordfishing boat[ ] disappeared during a historic gale at sea.
   

   Answer 4:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
5. Because she hated every article of clothing in her closet[ ] Betty Jo cancelled her dinner party[ ] at the last minute.
   

   Answer 5a:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
   

   Answer 5b:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
6. “Diving” Dave Olsen, the only person in town to swim across the lake in under twenty minutes[ ] won a community award for his accomplishment.
   

   Answer 6:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
7. People desire job satisfaction[ ] and job recognition is one of the priorities HyperTech intends to stress[ ] as it enters a bigger marketplace.
   

   Answer 7a:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
   

   Answer 7b:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
8. Despite her migraine[ ] Chantal showed up for the martial arts tournament and sparred harder than she ever had before.
   

   Answer 8:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
9. On Sunday[ ] we plan to snowshoe up the logging road to our favourite hot springs[ ] where we will soak and dream for hours.
   

   Answer 9a:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
   

   Answer 9b:

   a. no comma required b. comma (,)
10. With a sparkle in her eye, a lilt in her voice and a skip in her step[ ] she became one of the most famous child stars ever[ ] capturing the hearts of millions.
    

    Answer 10a:

    a. no comma required b. comma (,)
    

    Answer 10b:

    a. no comma required b. comma (,)