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Put appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
Is it any use expecting them to be on time
 
Correct answer is 'Is it any use expecting them to be on time?'. Can you explain this answer?

Mainak Yadav answered
Explanation:

The correct answer is "Is it any use expecting them to be on time?"

Why is it the correct answer?

The given sentence is a question, and it requires appropriate punctuation marks to make it grammatically correct.

Punctuation marks used:

1. Question mark (?): The sentence is a direct question, so it requires a question mark at the end. The question mark indicates that the sentence is interrogative and expects a response.

Reasoning:

1. The given sentence starts with the word "Is," indicating that it is a question. In English grammar, interrogative sentences are formed by starting with an auxiliary verb (such as "is," "are," "do," etc.) or a question word (such as "who," "what," "where," etc.).
2. The sentence also contains the phrase "any use." This phrase suggests that the speaker is questioning the practicality or effectiveness of expecting someone to be on time.
3. The word "expecting" indicates that the speaker is referring to a future event or action.
4. The sentence ends with the phrase "them to be on time." This indicates that the speaker is referring to a group of people and their punctuality.

Overall, the correctly punctuated sentence is:

Is it any use expecting them to be on time?

Put appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
Johns going to sleep during the wedding was rather embarrassing.
Correct answer is 'John’s'. Can you explain this answer?

Revathi Iyer answered
Explanation:
In the given sentence, the appropriate punctuation mark to use is an apostrophe ('), which is used to indicate possession or to show that something belongs to someone.

Reason for using an apostrophe:
In the sentence, the word "Johns" is meant to indicate that something belongs to John. The apostrophe in "John's" shows that the sleep belongs to John. Without the apostrophe, "Johns" would be interpreted as the plural form of the name John, rather than indicating possession.

Function of the apostrophe:
The apostrophe is used to replace the missing letter "i" in the contraction of the word "John is" (John's). The apostrophe is placed between the "n" and the "s" to indicate the missing letter.

Corrected sentence:
With the appropriate punctuation, the correct sentence becomes: "John's going to sleep during the wedding was rather embarrassing."

Explanation of other punctuation marks:
In the given sentence, there are no other punctuation marks needed. However, here are some examples of other punctuation marks and their functions:

1. Period (.) - This is used to indicate the end of a declarative sentence or to show an abbreviation.
Example: "I am going to the store."

2. Question mark (?) - This is used to indicate a question.
Example: "Are you coming with us?"

3. Exclamation point (!) - This is used to indicate strong emotion or surprise.
Example: "What a beautiful sunset!"

4. Comma (,) - This is used to separate items in a list or to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Example: "I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas."

5. Quotation marks ("") - These are used to indicate spoken or quoted words.
Example: She said, "I'll be there soon."

6. Colon (:) - This is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
Example: "There are three things I love: pizza, ice cream, and movies."

7. Semicolon (;) - This is used to separate two independent clauses or to separate items in a list when there are already commas within the items.
Example: "I went to the store; I bought milk, eggs, and bread."

By using the appropriate punctuation marks, we can effectively convey meaning and clarity in our writing.

Which types of punctuation are generally used to separate independent clauses in declarative sentences in academic writing? 
  • a)
    commas and quotation marks
  • b)
    periods and semi-colons
  • c)
     commas and periods
  • d)
     colons and quotation marks
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sarthak Rane answered
In the United States, the rule of thumb is that commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks, and colons and semicolons (dashes as well) go outside: “There was a storm last night,” Paul said.
So, periods and semi colons are used to separate independent clauses in declarative sentences in academic writing.

Put appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday not my father.
Correct answer is 'It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday, not my father.'. Can you explain this answer?

Baishali Nair answered
Introduction:
Punctuation is an essential aspect of writing. It helps convey meaning and clarity to the reader. In this question, we are asked to put appropriate punctuation marks in a given sentence.

Explanation:
The given sentence is: It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday not my father.

The correct answer is: It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday, not my father.

The sentence requires a comma to separate the two clauses and indicate a contrast between them. The sentence has two independent clauses:

- It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday
- Not my father

The use of a comma helps to show that the second clause is a contrast to the first clause.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct punctuation for the given sentence is a comma. The use of punctuation marks is essential to convey meaning and clarity to the reader. In this case, the comma helps to indicate a contrast between two clauses.

Put appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
Long ago in a distant country there lived a beautiful princess
Correct answer is 'Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess.'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding the Need for Commas
When constructing sentences, punctuation plays a crucial role in enhancing clarity and readability. In the example given, the placement of commas helps in separating different elements of the sentence.
Key Reasons for Using Commas
- Introductory Phrase: The phrase "Long ago" is an introductory element. Commas are typically used after introductory phrases to set the stage for the main clause. This helps the reader pause and prepares them for the primary message of the sentence.
- Additional Descriptive Element: The phrase "in a distant country" provides additional information about where the princess lives. Using a comma before this phrase clarifies that it is supplementary information, allowing readers to understand that it modifies the main clause without confusing it.
Improved Clarity and Flow
- Readability: By inserting commas, the sentence becomes easier to read. It breaks up the information, allowing for a natural rhythm that aids comprehension.
- Prevents Misinterpretation: Without the commas, the sentence might be read too quickly, potentially leading to misunderstandings about the relationships between the elements of the sentence.
Final Sentence Structure
The corrected sentence, "Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess," effectively uses commas to separate the introductory phrase and the additional descriptive phrase, enhancing the overall clarity and flow of the sentence. This structured approach is essential in effective writing, particularly in formal contexts like the GMAT.

Which of the following sentences contains a comma error? 
  • a)
    While Washington managed to lose most of the battles he engaged in, he also managed to win the war.
  • b)
    The loss of New York City and Philadelphia in 1777 should have ended the rebellion, but four years later, George Washington stood upon a battlefield in Virginia watching Britain's most powerful army in the colonies parade past him in surrender.   
  • c)
    We have put Washington's image on monuments and mountains, on currency and coins, and on stamps and postmarks; we have filled our country, our pockets, and our envelopes with memorials large and small to this essential man.
  • d)
    Washington's greatest quality might have been his belief in his own abilities, in the lesser men who served with him, that attribute all too often led to personal failure and military disaster.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Saranya Sharma answered
Error Identification

The task requires identifying a sentence that contains a comma error. The options are:

a) While Washington managed to lose most of the battles he engaged in, he also managed to win the war.

b) The loss of New York City and Philadelphia in 1777 should have ended the rebellion, but four years later, George Washington stood upon a battlefield in Virginia watching Britain's most powerful army in the colonies parade past him in surrender.

c) We have put Washington's image on monuments and mountains, on currency and coins, and on stamps and postmarks; we have filled our country, our pockets, and our envelopes with memorials large and small to this essential man.

d) Washington's greatest quality might have been his belief in his own abilities, in the lesser men who served with him, that attribute all too often led to personal failure and military disaster.

Answer

The sentence with a comma error is option D: "Washington's greatest quality might have been his belief in his own abilities, in the lesser men who served with him, that attribute all too often led to personal failure and military disaster."

Explanation

The sentence has a misplaced comma that creates a run-on sentence. The phrase "in the lesser men who served with him" is a non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about Washington's belief in his own abilities. However, the comma after "him" separates the clause from its antecedent, "the lesser men who served with him," creating an incomplete sentence. To correct the error, the comma after "him" should be removed, or a conjunction should be added before the second "in" to complete the sentence.

Overall, option D contains a comma error that results in a run-on sentence.

 Which of the following comma rules is incorrect?
  • a)
    Place commas after introductory elements in sentences.
  • b)
    Place commas after items in a series.q
  • c)
     Place a comma before coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses.
  • d)
    Set off restrictive, essential elements with commas.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sohini Das answered
Understanding Comma Rules
When analyzing comma rules, it's crucial to distinguish between restrictive and non-restrictive elements. The correct answer, option 'D', states that restrictive, essential elements should be set off with commas, which is incorrect.
What are Restrictive Elements?
- Restrictive elements are essential to the meaning of a sentence.
- They provide necessary information about the noun they modify.
Example of Restrictive Elements:
- "The book that you lent me is fascinating."
- Here, "that you lent me" is restrictive because it specifies which book is being referred to.
Comma Usage with Restrictive Elements:
- Incorrect: "The book, that you lent me, is fascinating."
- Correct: "The book that you lent me is fascinating."
Why No Commas?
- Using commas around restrictive elements creates confusion by suggesting that the information is additional or non-essential when it is, in fact, necessary for understanding.
Comparing with Non-Restrictive Elements:
- Non-restrictive elements, on the other hand, add extra information but are not essential.
Example of Non-Restrictive Elements:
- "The book, which you lent me, is fascinating."
- Here, "which you lent me" provides additional information.
Conclusion:
- In summary, restrictive elements should not be set off with commas, making option 'D' the incorrect rule. Understanding this distinction enhances clarity in writing and ensures proper comma usage.

Put appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
He neither smiled spoke nor looked at me
Correct answer is 'He neither smiled, spoke, nor looked at me.'. Can you explain this answer?

Arjun Iyer answered
Answer:

The correct punctuation for the given sentence is: "He neither smiled, spoke, nor looked at me." Let's understand the reasons behind this choice by analyzing the sentence structure and the rules of punctuation.

Sentence Structure:
The sentence in question is a compound sentence that includes three parallel actions: smiled, spoke, and looked at me. These actions are connected by the coordinating conjunction "nor" which indicates a negative correlation between them.

Rules of Punctuation:
1. Commas: Commas are used to separate items in a list or to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence.
2. Parallelism: Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical structures in a sentence to express equal or related ideas. When listing multiple items or actions, parallelism should be maintained.

Explanation:
Let's break down the sentence and apply the appropriate punctuation:

Original Sentence: He neither smiled spoke nor looked at me.

1. Smiled, Spoke, Looked at me: These are three parallel actions that should be separated by commas to indicate a list. However, in the original sentence, there are no commas between them.

2. Coordinating Conjunction: The coordinating conjunction "nor" is used to connect the parallel actions. However, in the original sentence, there are no commas before or after "nor."

3. Commas for Clarity: Commas are necessary to improve the clarity and readability of the sentence. They help to separate the actions and make the sentence easier to understand.

Applying the rules of punctuation, the corrected sentence becomes: "He neither smiled, spoke, nor looked at me." This revised sentence clearly presents the parallel actions with the appropriate use of commas and the coordinating conjunction "nor."

Revised Sentence: He neither smiled, spoke, nor looked at me.

By following the rules of punctuation and maintaining parallelism, the revised sentence becomes grammatically correct and effectively conveys the intended meaning.

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