I need some help with commas!

Question

The test will, yet again, cover grammar.    Do i need this set of commas? 

 

The test mostlikely will cover grammar.  Do i need a set of commas around mostlikely. 

 

All the bird eggs will hatch unless it is too cold outside.    Do i need a comma before unless?

Answer 1

In number 1 and 2 you are using parenthetical expressions, "yet again" and "most likely" neither are needed for the sentence, therefore, both should have commas around them.

 

For the third question, "All the bird eggs will hatch unless it is too cold outside," unless is being used as a subordinate conjunction.  Since it is not a co-ordinating conjunction putting two sentences together, it is adding a dependent clause to an independent clause.  But because this dependent clause is necessary, you do not use a comma.

 

All the bird eggs will hatch unless it is too cold outside.

Answer 2

Yes, you need the commas before and after "yet again."

 

The second sentence would be better constructed if it were worded like this:  "The test will most likely cover grammar."  But either way, no commas necessary.

 

A comma wouldn't be wrong before the word "unless," but it's not necessary, and would make the sentence clunky.

 

Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes, you need both sets of commas in the first sentence-before and after "yet again."

 

I don't think you need a comma before or after most likely. It reads fine without commas (and there is a space between most and likely).

 

I would not use a comma before unless; the sentence reads just fine without it. :)

Answer 4

Yes, you will need the set of commas in the following sentence, as they signify the natural pauses made by a person making the statement, or stating that statement out loud.

 

*The test will, yet again, cover grammar."

 

No, you will not need a set of commas in the following sentence, as there is no natural pause made at all when stating the following statement out loud.

 

"The test most likely will cover grammar."

 

Whether or not to include a comma before "unless" in the following sentence is determined purely upon stylistic reasons.  In other words, a comma may or may not be included before "unless" as the speaker or writer prefers. 

"All the bird eggs will hatch unless it is too cold outside."

Answer 5

1) optional

 

2) no, but "most likely" should be two words

 

3) no

 

:-)