On the other hand, a wellplaced semi colon can add nuance and subtlety to any kind of writing. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. Semicolons the semicolon has three primary functions. Semicolons take the place of the comma and coordinating conjunction between two independent clauses. If they both are complete sentences, then you can use a semicolon. A semicolon exists as a key on a standard keyboard. Jun 30, 2020 click here to download a pdf of the answer key. Semicolons and colons the described and captioned media. Some important dates in us history are july, 4, 1776. Apr 19, 2017 language quiz commas and semicolons random language quiz can you identify the needed punctuation in these sentences. Grammar and mechanics semicolons and colons when it comes to punctuation, you will use commas and. Written by editor and writer frances peck, these pieces take a thorough yet entertaining look at some of the most common errors, weaknesses and uncertainties that plague writers of english. Part ii insert all necessary commas in the following paragraph.
Also check out the recent post on serial commas and serial semicolons on the mla style center. Keep the following rules in mind when choosing to use a comma, colon. Learn to use the semicolon properly your punctuation test mark will improve. Colons and semicolons are two valuable pieces of punctuation that separate sentence elements from each other. Use a semicolon between items in lists if some items in the list include commas. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and. Harry and cedric represented hogwarts in the triwizard tournament. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon. My dog likes to play with cats my dog likes most animals. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses.
The other use for semicolons, which is less common, is to use a semicolon between objects in a series when commas are contained in the series. Select the answer choice that corrects the punctuation errors. Place semicolons between items in lists if some items the list include commas. The writing center commas, semicolons, and colons guides. Excluding apostrophe questions, there are about 46 punctuation questions on the sat. Semicolons can be used in place of a comma, especially in a list already. You can use a semicolon to join two independent clauses. Semicolons and colons basic grammar and punctuation. Unlike the semicolon, the information that follows a colon does not have to be in the form of an independent clause. Combining clauses to avoid comma splices, runons, and fragments. In addition, the colon has conventional uses to separate certain elements.
Grammar and mechanics using the colon and semicolon. Are you looking for a punctuation quiz to help you revise semi colons, colons, and commas. Use a semicolon to separate an independent clause from a quotation. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. So, its better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay. On the other hand, a wellplaced semicolon can add nuance and subtlety to any kind of writing. A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Using colons and semicolons get 3 of 4 questions to level up.
Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence. Be on the lookout for other tests like it to perfect your skills. Are you looking for a punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Grammar and mechanics semicolons and colons when it comes to punctuation, you will use commas and periods most frequently. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. You can also use a semicolon in a list to better distinguish pauses if the list is already punctuated with commas. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. Comma, use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions. Name different kinds of things that can follow a colon. Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug. When you are done, compare your work with the correctly punctuated versions of the two paragraphs on page two. Commas, semicolons and colons learners questions youtube. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. These two punctuation marks might look similar, but they serve different purposes.
Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn. To quote the last writing lab grammar worksheet, semicolon and colons are not fancy commas. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. Start studying commas, semi colons, and colon rules. I dont sleep well at night im always tired during the day. In this quiz, you will be expected to choose the sentence you think has been appropriately punctuated according to you. Aug 20, 2020 a punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Commas, semicolons, and colon rules flashcards quizlet. In the semicolon questions, if any commas need to be added or removed in your revision, please make these adjustments as well. Tf commas clarify meaning and set sentence meter for readers. This helps the reader see the relationship between the two ideas. What is the test to see if a colon is the correct punctuation mark to use when combing sentences or thoughts.
Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. However, a semicolon functions differently than a period or a comma. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete. Use a semicolon to link complete clauses with a conjunctive abverb or transition word however, consequently, etc. A quick test to see if youre putting a semicolon in the right place is check that each clause on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence. Commas and colons and semicolons quiz sponsored by the center for teaching and learning at uis last edited 6302008 page 2 of 2 we finished our theme park tour at 115 pm. How to use english commas, semicolons and colons correctly dan talks about punctuation. To ensure that you dont accidentally make any other changes, you can copy and paste the original sentence in the text box before adding commas or semicolons. Here, the semicolon is used between an and a clause. You can practice your english writing and punctuation with this exercise.
Punctuation is an essential part of writing in english and can change the whole point of the writing if didnt use in the right place. A period is also effective in place of the semicolon in the sentences above. Besides being used between independent clauses not linked by conjunctions, semicolons are used in the following situations. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following. Colons and semicolons test this colons and semicolons test checks if you know the difference between the two. When to use commas, colons, semicolons, and dashes wordvice. Use a semi colon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence. Use a semicolon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. A good writer, however, needs to know how to use colons and semicolons as well. Commas and semicolons in the space provided, write c if the sentence is correctly punctuated, and correct other sentences with a comma or a semicolon. Mar 06, 2017 replace each set of brackets with a comma or a semicolon, keeping in mind that the primary use of a semicolon is to separate two main clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction. Commas and semicolons worksheet teachers pay teachers.
Commas, semicolons, and colons when and how to use commas. Commas are the most frequently used and abused punctuation mark in most kinds of. Using semicolons and commas get 3 of 4 questions to level up. In this article, ill explain the rules for all punctuation except apostrophes because ive devoted a separate article to apostrophes. Handout includes 8 sentences for students to plug in appropriate punctuation where it is needed and 2 spots asking students to write their own sentence using a semicolon and colon. This powerpoint is a simple, easytounderstand guide to how and.
This office cannot accept your complaint, we have brought it before the appropriate. Sat punctuation questions test you on your knowledge of commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, and apostrophes. So do give it a try and get to perfect your skills. In addition to periods and commas, another punctuation mark that you will encounter though less often is the semicolon. Semicolons, colons, question marks, and exclamation. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. Like most punctuation marks, the semicolon can be used in a variety of ways but in generally it can only be used where a period could be used. How can this sentence be rewritten using a semicolon.
In each sentence, a popup box is placed where punctuation might be needed. Use semicolons between items in a list that already involve commas. You may need to use a semicolon rather than a comma before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas. Determine which punctuation rule is illustrated by the following sentence. In the text boxes, rewrite each sentence to include commas or semicolons, as indicated. The colon is used after an independent clause to introduce or direct attention to information that provides further explanation or balance to the sentence. Sponsored by the center for teaching and learning of uis. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. Semicolons and colons worksheet answers lesson 4 squarespace. The sweaters i bought today were purple, blue, and green.
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