Semicolons colons and commas quiz pdf

Commas set off parenthetical elements such as an appositive, which is a noun phrase or clause that renames or describes the noun directly beside it, and nonrestrictive relative clauses. Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian. I have a big test tomorrow comma, semicolon as a result, i cant go out tonight. Oct 01, 2006 according to rule 1 for semicolons, use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Dashes can be used in pairs, like commas and parentheses, to set off an inserted comment in a sentence.

Originally, typewriters had monospaced fonts skinny letters and fat letters took up the same amount of space. Think you know when to use a colon in your writing. It is important for students to know that the semicolon does not function in the same way as the comma. A semicolon can be used to join two or more complete sentences independent clauses. Place semicolons between items in lists if some items the list include commas. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following. Each number contains one or two sentences which may have one or more commas or semicolons missing. The washington monument, a massive obelisk, was completed in 1884. Identify whether to use colons or semicolons in sentences.

Looking for a worksheet to help your students master commas and semicolons. Commas, semicolons, and colons the chicago school of. Our semicolon worksheets are free to download and easy to access in pdf format. Correct the punctuation in the following sentences by rewriting the sentence, adding semicolons and colons where they are needed and by changing other punctuation and capitalization as needed. Also check out the recent post on serial commas and serial semicolons on. However, there are other instances where commas should be used as well. Determine if the empty spaces need a semicolon, a comma, or no punctuation. However, the semicolon is a stronger mark of punctuation.

Colons, semicolons, dashes, and parentheses first floor william t. Colons and semicolons displaying top 8 worksheets found for this concept some of the worksheets for this concept are semicolons and colons, name semicolon or comma, great grammar semicolons and colons, semi colons colons and dashes, the colon can be used in the following 7 ways, semicolons colons and dashes, sophomore english colon and semi colon practice name. As you watch the video, fill in the chart below with each rule. The ssu writing centerlocated in 1008 salazar libraryoffers tutorial. The video describes rules for using colons and semicolons and gives examples of each. In this sentence, the semicolon is used instead of a period.

Part iv all the commas and semicolons have been omitted from the following sentences. The weeds in my yard are very green, unfortunately, the grass is brown and dying. Think you know when to use a semicolon in your writing. Practice involves inserting quotation marks in sentences where needed. Im going to leave early today, unless the boss comes back from the meeting. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. Semicolons and colons basic grammar and punctuation. Once you master the rules for effective punctuation, your writing skills will improve. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. Also check out the recent post on serial commas and serial semicolons on the mla style center. Many companies make sugarfree soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals the drinks. Commas, colons, and semicolons commas are used to separate ideas, to set off special elements, and to set off quotations. 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.

Select the answer choice that corrects the punctuation errors. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Some important dates in us history are july, 4, 1776. Many companies make lowfat foods, these foods contain less than five percent of fat per serving. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. In the following fivepart exercise select true or false to indicate whether the sentence uses the appropriate comma or semicolon. 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. What are commas, semicolons, and colons cliffsnotes. Rule 4 for colons says that if the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence, then a colon is used. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website.

Each of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and. It separates clauses and phrases that are closely related or that receive the same emphasis. The menu included brisket, chicken, and pork barbeque. If your students are anything like mine, they struggle with commas and semicolons. Explanations and examples of the three primary semicolons usages. My parents, who met each other in 1962, have been married for 50 years. Quia commas, semicolons and colons millionaire game. Colons introduce a list, a quote or formal statement, a restatement, or an explanation. Colons and semicolons the colon follows an independent clause a complete statement and introduces one of three things. From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from usage woes to grammar. Commas indicate pauses or brief breaks between ideas in sentences. Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations.

Semicolons, colons, and dashes sonoma state university. For more information about commas, semicolons, and colons in apa style, see pages 88 to 90 of the publication manual, sixth edition 4. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Activities include completing sentences with the correct mark, adding commas in the correct place within given sentences, writing original sentences and using commas correctly according to the specific prompts, punctuating given sentences correctly, differentiating between colons and semicolons, rewriting given words using apostrophes, and more. A brief quizsemicolons add semicolons or periods where needed. Our rule 1 of spacing with punctuation states, with a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. To connect independent clauses and avoid runon sentences b. Conjunctions thats your ands, buts, and ors can do that too.

Semicolons can be used in place of a comma, especially in a list already. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice. But you shouldnt use a semicolon and a conjunction. This office cannot accept your complaint, we have brought it before the appropriate. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. The writing center commas, semicolons, and colons guides. Cliffsnotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what youre studying, cliffsnotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. A semicolon isnt the only thing that can link two independent clauses. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct, and read our post on the topic for more detailed explanations. Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug. 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. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn.

After the video, use what you know to write a sentence that is an example of each rule. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. Identify which punctuation mark should be used in the sentences. The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. The semicolon provides a more emphatic separation than the comma. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Punctuation is an essential part of writing in english and can change the whole point of the writing if didnt use at the right place. Many writers either neglect to use or overuse commas, which complicates their sentences, or can sometimes obscure the meaning. Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. So, its better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay.

Use semicolons to separate items in parts of a series that already contain commas. Topics youll learn about include periods, semicolons, and colons, and the companion quizzes will measure your knowledge on how to use them. A colon is used to introduce lists of items, after the greeting of a business letter, and to separate hours and minutes in time expressions. Semicolon worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. Combining independent clauses word groups that can stand alone as separate sentences. Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Semicolons, colons, quotation marks, dashes, parentheses and apostrophes the semicolon. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. Correct the punctuation in the following sentences by rewriting the sentence, adding semicolons and colons where they are needed and by changing other punctuation and capitalization as. Semicolons, colons, and dashes are confusing for many writers, but theyre really easy to.

Punctuation commas, semicolons, quotation marks, and dashes commas the basic rule of thumb for commas use is where there is a natural pause, use a comma. Quite often it is the writers opinion that will determine which of the two is used. Punctuation commas, semicolons, colons, quotation marks. It is more pronounced and has a pause slightly longer than a comma. The manuscript left many unanswered questions are the archives complete. Determine whether to use a comma, a semicolon, or no punctuation at all. Semicolons join independent clauses and items in a series. This is a 10 question quiz that assesses a students ability to identify independent clauses and proper ways to join independent clauses using sentences about spongebob squarepants.