Commas to avoid ambiguity

Question 1

Which version of the sentence below uses commas so the meaning is clear? Before we eat the dogs barked at the door.

Accepted Answer

Before we eat, the dogs barked at the door.

Answer

Before we eat the dogs barked, at the door.

Answer

Before, we eat the dogs barked at the door.

Answer

Before we eat the dogs, barked at the door.

Question 2

Which version of the sentence adds commas in the right places so the meaning is clear? The coach told the players who were late practice harder.

Accepted Answer

The coach told the players, who were late, practice harder.

Answer

The coach told the players, who were late practice harder.

Answer

The coach told the players who were late, practice harder.

Answer

The coach told the players who, were late, practice harder.

Question 3

The sentence "I will thank my teacher Sarah" could mean either that Sarah is the teacher’s name or that you are speaking to Sarah. Which rewritten version uses a comma to make the meaning clear?

Accepted Answer

I will thank my teacher, Sarah.

Answer

I will thank my teacher Sarah,

Answer

I will thank, my teacher Sarah.

Answer

I will thank my teacher Sarah.

Try three questions

Which version of the sentence below uses commas so the meaning is clear? Before we eat the dogs barked at the door.

Which version of the sentence adds commas in the right places so the meaning is clear? The coach told the players who were late practice harder.

The sentence "I will thank my teacher Sarah" could mean either that Sarah is the teacher’s name or that you are speaking to Sarah. Which rewritten version uses a comma to make the meaning clear?

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