Short Answer 
The answer overviewed the essential functions of commas, which include separating independent clauses, introductory phrases, and items in lists. It provided examples of sentences that correctly use commas and emphasized that mastering comma usage enhances writing clarity.
Step 1: Understanding Comma Usage
Commas are essential punctuation marks that help to clarify meaning within sentences by indicating pauses. The main purposes of commas include:
- Separating independent clauses.
- Placing a comma after introductory clauses or phrases.
- Using commas to separate items in a list.
- Setting off nonrestrictive clauses.
- Indicating appositives.
- Demonstrating coordinate adjectives.
- Separating coordinate quotations.
Step 2: Identifying Correct Sentences
It’s important to identify sentences that use commas correctly. For example, the following sentences correctly apply comma rules:
- A. “Washington was a general before becoming president, and Jackson was also a general.”
- E. “After his voyage in 1492, Columbus and his men arrived in what they believed to be Southeast Asia.”
Step 3: Conclusion on Comma Application
By applying the rules of comma usage correctly, you can enhance the clarity of your writing. Remember, options A and E exemplify proper comma usage, confirming their correctness. Keep practicing with different sentence structures to master the use of commas!