Question

when are commas normally used? select three options. after introductory phrases and clauses around restrictive phrases and clauses around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses before the conjunction joining independent clauses before the conjunction introducing a dependent clause

Explanation:

1. Introductory phrases/clauses set context at the start of a sentence, so commas separate them from the main clause.
2. Nonrestrictive phrases/clauses add extra, non-essential information; commas set them off to show they are not required for the sentence's core meaning.
3. When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or), a comma precedes the conjunction to separate the two complete thoughts.

Restrictive phrases/clauses are essential to identify the noun they modify, so they do not use commas. A comma is not used before a conjunction introducing a dependent clause at the end of a sentence.

Answer:

• after introductory phrases and clauses
• around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses
• before the conjunction joining independent clauses