Usage Quick Check

Question

3 of 53 of 5 Items
Question
Which sentence uses a comma in a way that is considered contested usage?

Select two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

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."

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.

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

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.

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

Answer 1

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

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

   • The use of commas around the appositive can vary depending on style guides.

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

   • The comma before the state name can also be seen as contested since some style guides recommend omitting it if the city and state are used in a sentence without another comma separating them.

In both these cases, the placement and use of commas can vary by style guide or personal preference.