Final answer:
A comma functions as an interrupter by setting off non-essential information and creating pauses for emphasis or clarity. The correct options where a comma serves as an interrupter are 'a' and 'b'. Comma usage is essential for separating non-essential information without changing the core meaning of a sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
A comma serves as a mark of separation in sentence structure, fulfilling different roles to enhance clarity and readability. When it functions as an interrupter, the comma can be used in several ways:
- To set off non-essential information within a sentence, providing additional details that do not change the overall meaning. If this extra information is removed, the sentence still makes sense.
- To introduce or separate phrases that create pauses for emphasis or clarity, ensuring the reader grasps the intended message or focuses on particular elements of the sentence.
For example, in the sentence "Quentin's father gave him a golden pocket watch, which was a priceless family heirloom," the phrase 'which was a priceless family heirloom' is a non-essential clause set off by commas, adding information but not altering the sentence's core meaning. It can be removed without changing the fundamental assertion that Quentin's father gave him the watch.
The comma cannot be considered an interrupter in the following contexts:
- When used to separate elements in a series, as its primary function here is to delineate items.
- When marking direct quotations, where commas are used to indicate the beginning or end of the quoted material.
In conclusion, a comma serves as an interrupter in the scenarios 'a' and 'b' – to set off non-essential information and to create pauses for emphasis or clarity. It is essential to differentiate between non-essential and essential information, using commas correctly to enhance the reading experience without altering the meaning of sentences.