What's the function of commas here: "To start a successful business, you should do a lot of research first."
To separate a dependent clause.
Explain the comma: "I won't leave you alone until you confess," said Inspector Takayama in a matter-of-fact voice.
At the end of reported speech in the middle of a sentence.
What's the function of commas here: "You've invited everyone - even James, Rod, and Thom. How come not me???"
to separate items on a list
What's the function of commas in this sentence: "Andrew, Mary's husband, works for Google."
to offset extra infromation
What punctuation mark is missing and where? "Languages tend to develop towards simplification, however it doesn't mean Arabic is easy.""
Comma after "however"
What is the function of long dashes here? "You cannot simply put a book under the pillow and know everything in the morning - or can you?"
to create a dramatic effect
Explain the punctuation: "Geraldine is... flamboyant, to say the least."
ellipsis - to indicate a long pause, comma - to separate extra information.
Explain the use of punctuation: "Working in a garden was a blast: swimming in the tall raspberry jungles; climbing apple trees; picking black currant off the bushes - that was childhood."
Students' own answers
Explain the comma: "Even if you pay me a million, I won't eat a grasshopper."
To separate a dependent clause
Explain the commas: "Terry liked living on the edge. However, he took great care of his children's security, just for his own peace of mind.""
Students' own answers
Explain the punctuation: "Emily, please stop making this noise - it's beyond annoying!"
Comma after addressing someone; dash to indicate an explanation; exclamation mark to indicate strong emotions.
Explain the colon. "Riddle me this: how could you leave your phone in a taxi if you are always on your phone?"
Students' own answer.
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