Final answer:
Correctly placed commas are crucial for clarity in sentences. The passive voice can be identified by a subject that is acted upon and usually includes a 'be' verb plus a past participle, which can be converted to active voice for directness. Word choice in homophones is important to convey the correct meaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Review Questions - Inserting and Omitting Commas
For each example sentence, the correct use of commas is essential to ensure clarity and proper sentence structure. Here is a breakdown of the sentences with the necessary corrections:
I finally found my keys, and I got to work just in time.
Mrs. Contreras threw out her old coffee table and cleaned the carpet.
Taking the elevator to the roof, we hoped we could see the skyline and the bay.
Though Susan wasn't feeling well, she went to the store anyway and bought ice cream, pizza, and candy.
I let my neighbor borrow my phone because she said hers was tapped by the police.
Passive vs. Active Voice
Passive voice is identified when the subject of the sentence is not conducting the action but is being acted upon and often includes a form of the be verb with the past participle of the main verb. To eliminate passive voice, ensure the subject does the action:
Passive Voice: That his house was no place for a dance party was argued by Jose.
Active Voice: Jose argued that his house was no place for a dance party.
Homophones and Word Choice Practice
Choosing the correct word to avoid common homophone errors is essential for clear communication:
Can you hear the phone ring from here?
Are you going to the movie theater at two p.m., or is that too early for you?
This show always has a depressing effect on me.
- It's hard to find small apartments for rent in this neighborhood.