Question

(F) NO CHANGE (G) alpha, or dominant, male (H) alpha or dominant male, (J) alpha or, dominant male

Short answer

F

Step-by-step solution

Understand the sentence context

Identify the broader sentence in which the phrase 'alpha or dominant male' is used. This helps determine the relationship between 'alpha' and 'dominant male' and decide if a comma or conjunction is needed.

Identify the intended meaning

Determine if 'alpha' and 'dominant male' are being presented as two separate descriptions or if 'alpha' is simply clarifying the type of 'dominant male.' This clarifies whether a comma or conjunction is required.

Analyze the given choices

Review each option to see how it connects 'alpha' and 'dominant male': (F) NO CHANGE: No punctuation change at all. (G) alpha, or dominant, male: Inserts commas around 'or dominant.' (H) alpha or dominant male,: Places a comma after 'male.' (J) alpha or, dominant male: Places a comma after 'or.'

Select the best option

Given that 'alpha' is likely providing a type of 'dominant male,' the most appropriate choice would smoothly integrate these descriptions. Here, (G) emphasizes 'or dominant,' unnaturally splitting the phrase, so it is incorrect. Similarly, (H) inserts unnecessary punctuation. (J) disrupts the phrase by placing a comma between 'alpha' and 'dominant male,' making it awkward.

Conclusion

(F) NO CHANGE is the best option because it naturally presents 'alpha or dominant male' without unnecessary punctuation.

Key concepts

Understanding Comma Usage

Commas play a crucial role in sentence structure. They help break down sentences into readable parts. Misusing commas can lead to confusion.
Here are some rules to consider:

• Use commas to separate items in a list.
• Place a comma before and after non-essential information.
• Commas come before conjunctions in compound sentences.

In our exercise, understanding these rules is vital. It helps you determine if separating 'alpha' and 'dominant male' with a comma maintains clarity.

Considering the Sentence Context

When choosing punctuation, context is everything. Start by understanding the sentence's broader meaning.
Here's how to analyze context:

• Read the whole sentence, not just the phrase in question.
• Determine the relationship between the components.
• Identify if the phrase adds essential details or if it’s extra information.

In the exercise, determine how 'alpha' and 'dominant male' relate. Are they equal? Is one defining the other? This helps decide if a comma or conjunction is needed.

Determining the Intended Meaning

Clarifying the writer's intended message is key. It guides punctuation choices. Here’s how to figure out intended meaning:

• Think about what the writer wants to convey.
• Ask if the terms are complementary or distinct.
• Reread the sentence to see if removing parts changes its meaning.

In this exercise, determine if 'alpha' describes a specific 'dominant male' or if they are separate. This informs if a comma is appropriate.

Making Punctuation Choices

Choosing correct punctuation ensures clarity. Here’s how to make the right choice:

• Evaluate if commas enhance reading.
• Consider if punctuation changes the meaning or flow.
• Ensure the sentence remains natural and understandable.

In the exercise, the options vary in punctuation. By analyzing each choice, 'NO CHANGE' works best, presenting 'alpha or dominant male' naturally and clearly without unnecessary interruptions.