How to Properly Use Commas and Apostrophes in a Sentence

Which sentence is correctly written?

(A) The shaggy brown dog chased Michael’s cat up into the tree.

(B) The shaggy brown, dog chased Michael’s cat up into the tree.

(C) The shaggy brown dog chased Michaels’ cat up into the tree.

(D) The shaggy, brown, dog chased Michaels’ cat up into the tree.

Correct Sentence:

The correct sentence is (D) - "The shaggy, brown, dog chased Michaels’ cat up into the tree."

When it comes to using commas and apostrophes in a sentence, it's essential to follow the rules of punctuation to ensure clear and proper communication. In the given options, (D) is the correct sentence. Let's break down why:

(A) The sentence lacks any commas, which makes it run-on and harder to read. Proper comma usage is essential for separating phrases and adding clarity to the sentence.

(B) In this sentence, the comma placement after "brown" is incorrect. "The shaggy brown," doesn't make sense on its own and disrupts the flow of the sentence.

(C) The placement of the apostrophe in "Michaels’ cat" is incorrect. The apostrophe should come before the "s" to indicate possession by Michael.

(D) This sentence correctly uses commas to separate the adjectives "shaggy" and "brown" describing the dog. The placement of the apostrophe in "Michaels’ cat" is also correct, showing possession by Michaels. The sentence is clear and easy to understand.

Remember, proper punctuation, including commas and apostrophes, plays a crucial role in conveying your message effectively. By paying attention to these details, you can ensure that your sentences are correctly written and easily understood.