Which sentence uses a comma in a way that is considered contested usage?

Question

Select two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Dubrovnik are all major cities in the Balkan region of eastern Europe.
Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Dubrovnik are all major cities in the Balkan region of eastern Europe.

Stephen did not understand the question, and so Gina tried to explain it to him more clearly.
Stephen did not understand the question, and so Gina tried to explain it to him more clearly.

We are passing through New Orleans, Louisiana right before we stop in Houston, Texas.
We are passing through New Orleans, Louisiana right before we stop in Houston, Texas.

Winston Churchill famously said, "It is not in our power to anticipate our destiny."
Winston Churchill famously said, "It is not in our power to anticipate our destiny."

Faith, Millie's best friend from summer camp, is coming to visit in a few weeks.

Answer 1

The sentences that use a comma in a way that is considered contested usage are:

1. Stephen did not understand the question, and so Gina tried to explain it to him more clearly.

   • The use of the comma before "and so" can be considered optional or contested depending on style guides.

2. Faith, Millie's best friend from summer camp, is coming to visit in a few weeks.

   • The use of the commas around the appositive "Millie's best friend from summer camp" can also be viewed as contested, particularly if the appositive is a more complex phrase. Some might argue that it can be omitted in certain contexts.

(Note: Both of these usages can vary in acceptability depending on the guide one follows and the structure of the sentences.)