Which version of the sentence uses punctuation correctly?
The baby elephant walking slowly followed his mother toward the shady trees.
1. The baby elephant, walking slowly followed his mother toward the shady trees.
2. The baby elephant, walking slowly, followed his mother toward the shady trees.
3. The baby elephant walking, slowly followed his mother, toward the shady trees.
4. The baby elephant walking slowly, followed his mother toward the shady trees.
Answer: The correct version of the sentence is:
The baby elephant, walking slowly, followed his mother toward the shady trees.
Option 2: The baby elephant, walking slowly, followed his mother toward the shady trees.
Detail Explanation:
The Importance of Punctuation in Sentences
Punctuation marks are crucial in writing as they help to clarify the meaning, structure, and flow of sentences. In the sentence provided, the correct use of punctuation can significantly impact how the sentence is understood by the reader.
The Correct Version
In this case, the correct version of the sentence is:
"The baby elephant, walking slowly, followed his mother toward the shady trees." This version uses commas to separate the introductory phrase "walking slowly" and the main clause "followed his mother toward the shady trees." By using commas correctly, the sentence is clearer and easier to read.
Incorrect Options
1. The first option without any punctuation, "The baby elephant, walking slowly followed his mother toward the shady trees," is incorrect as it lacks commas to separate the descriptive phrase from the main clause.
2. The third option, "The baby elephant walking, slowly followed his mother, toward the shady trees," places commas incorrectly, creating confusion in the sentence structure.
3. The fourth option, "The baby elephant walking slowly, followed his mother toward the shady trees," fails to use commas effectively, resulting in a run-on sentence that can be misleading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper punctuation is essential in ensuring clarity and coherence in writing. By using punctuation marks correctly, such as commas in this case, writers can convey their message effectively and facilitate understanding for readers.