Question

Where does the comma belong in the sentence 'By the end of the game the field was a slippery wet mess?'

1) After 'game'
2) After 'field'
3) After 'slippery'
4) No comma is needed

Answer 1

The comma belongs after 'game' in the sentence, separating the introductory element from the main clause.

Step-by-step explanation:

The comma should be placed after 'game' in the sentence 'By the end of the game, the field was a slippery wet mess.' This is because when a sentence begins with an introductory element or a dependent clause, a comma is used right after that element or clause to separate it from the main clause of the sentence. Let's look at a similar example for clarity: If you speak the truth, have a foot in the stirrup. Here, the introductory clause 'If you speak the truth' is followed by a comma before starting the main clause. Similarly, for the question at hand, 'By the end of the game' serves as the introductory element, and it is separated from the main clause ('the field was a slippery wet mess') by a comma. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1) After 'game'.