Final answer:
The correct sentence that uses commas appropriately is "as the sun went down, beautiful colors filled the sky." (option b). Correct comma usage often involves setting off introductory phrases, connecting independent clauses, or separating items in a list.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the proper use of commas in a sentence, which falls under the subject of English grammar. The correct option that uses commas accurately is option (b) "as the sun went down, beautiful colors filled the sky." Commas in English serve as a means to clarify meaning by separating elements within a sentence. In this case, the comma after "down" sets off the introductory phrase from the main clause, indicating a pause for the reader and contributing to the overall readability of the sentence.
In the review questions you've provided, a similar logic must be applied for proper comma placement. On examining the given examples, commas should be inserted or removed to ensure clarity and proper grammatical structure, such as adding a comma after an introductory phrase, before a coordinating conjunction connecting two independent clauses, or to set off non-restrictive clauses.
When we take another look at those examples, we can clearly see:
- 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. (Here the comma is omitted because "and" is connecting two actions performed by the same subject)
- Taking the elevator to the roof, we hoped we could see the skyline and the bay. (No comma before "and" as it connects two objects of the verb "see")
- 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. (Here the comma is omitted because the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and is not an introductory phrase)