Question

which sentence is punctuated correctly?

the badger sleeps in a burrow, during the hottest part of the day.
during the hottest part of the day the badger sleeps in a burrow.
during the hottest part of the day the badger sleeps, in a burrow.
the badger sleeps in a burrow during the hottest part of the day.

Explanation:

Analyze the sentence structure

The sentence consists of an independent clause ("The badger sleeps in a burrow") and a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier ("during the hottest part of the day").

Evaluate comma rules for adverbial modifiers

When a prepositional phrase or adverbial modifier is placed at the end of a sentence, it should not be separated from the main clause by a comma. When placed at the beginning, a comma is typically required if the phrase is long (four or more words).

Assess the given options

• Option 1: "The badger sleeps in a burrow, during the hottest part of the day." (Incorrect: unnecessary comma before the ending prepositional phrase)
• Option 2: "During the hottest part of the day the badger sleeps in a burrow." (Incorrect: missing a comma after the long introductory prepositional phrase)
• Option 3: "During the hottest part of the day the badger sleeps, in a burrow." (Incorrect: missing introductory comma and contains an unnecessary comma before "in a burrow")
• Option 4: "The badger sleeps in a burrow during the hottest part of the day." (Correct: no commas are needed when the adverbial modifier follows the main clause)

Answer:

• (A) The badger sleeps in a burrow, during the hottest part of the day.
• (B) During the hottest part of the day the badger sleeps in a burrow.
• (C) During the hottest part of the day the badger sleeps, in a burrow.
• (D) The badger sleeps in a burrow during the hottest part of the day. (Correct answer)