Which of the following sentences requires a comma for clarity?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences requires a comma for clarity?

The sentence in question that requires a comma for clarity is the one that lists three distinct activities: hiking, biking, and swimming. The comma before "and swimming" is an example of the Oxford comma, which is used to prevent ambiguity in lists. Having this comma clarifies that the speaker enjoys three separate activities rather than suggesting that "hiking and biking" might be one combined activity. The other sentences do not require commas for clarity in the same way. In the first sentence, the absence of a comma does not obscure understanding, as the phrase "on the shelf" modifies "the book" directly. The second sentence flows well without a comma, even though it's a compound sentence; the context of reading leads seamlessly into the action of Chris walking in. The third sentence lacks a comma before "which" because it's a restrictive clause, meaning that it is essential to the sentence's meaning and does not necessitate separation from the main clause. Thus, option D is the only one that benefits from a comma to enhance clarity.

The sentence in question that requires a comma for clarity is the one that lists three distinct activities: hiking, biking, and swimming. The comma before "and swimming" is an example of the Oxford comma, which is used to prevent ambiguity in lists. Having this comma clarifies that the speaker enjoys three separate activities rather than suggesting that "hiking and biking" might be one combined activity.

The other sentences do not require commas for clarity in the same way. In the first sentence, the absence of a comma does not obscure understanding, as the phrase "on the shelf" modifies "the book" directly. The second sentence flows well without a comma, even though it's a compound sentence; the context of reading leads seamlessly into the action of Chris walking in. The third sentence lacks a comma before "which" because it's a restrictive clause, meaning that it is essential to the sentence's meaning and does not necessitate separation from the main clause. Thus, option D is the only one that benefits from a comma to enhance clarity.

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