Which sentence uses commas and periods correctly?
A. I waited to hear him say, “You passed your driving test.”
B. I waited to hear him say “You passed your driving test.”
C. I waited to hear him say, “You passed your driving test”.
## Correct usage of commas and periods in a sentence
When it comes to punctuation, using commas and periods correctly is crucial for ensuring clarity and proper sentence structure. In this case, we need to determine which sentence among the options provided utilizes commas and periods appropriately. Let’s delve into each option to understand the correct usage.
## A. I waited to hear him say, “You passed your driving test.”
In this sentence:
– A comma is correctly used before the opening quotation mark. Commas are used to introduce a direct quotation.
– The quoted text ends with a period inside the quotation marks, which is the correct American punctuation style.
– A period is placed outside the closing quotation marks as it follows the quoted sentence, which is the correct American punctuation style.
– Overall, the placement of commas and periods aligns with standard writing conventions.
## B. I waited to hear him say “You passed your driving test.”
In this sentence:
– There is no comma before the opening quotation mark, which is incorrect.
– The quoted text is not in quotation marks, which is essential for indicating direct speech.
– The lack of proper punctuation detracts from the clarity of the sentence structure.
## C. I waited to hear him say, “You passed your driving test”.
In this sentence:
– A comma is correctly used before the opening quotation mark.
– The quoted text ends with a period inside the quotation marks, adhering to the correct American style.
– However, a period is lacking outside the closing quotation marks, which is needed to complete the sentence correctly.
## Conclusion
Option A, “I waited to hear him say, ‘You passed your driving test,'” effectively demonstrates the correct usage of commas and periods in a sentence. It respects the conventions of punctuation, ensuring that the sentence is clear, concise, and grammatically accurate. By following these guidelines, the sentence maintains proper structure and readability.