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. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. The weeds in my yard are very green, unfortunately, the grass is brown and dying. Quia commas, semicolons and colons millionaire game. The video describes rules for using colons and semicolons and gives examples of each. A semicolon isnt the only thing that can link two independent clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. The washington monument, a massive obelisk, was completed in 1884. Use semicolons to separate items in parts of a series that already contain commas. However, the semicolon is a stronger mark of punctuation. 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 and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct, and read our post on the topic for more detailed explanations. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Many writers either neglect to use or overuse commas, which complicates their sentences, or can sometimes obscure the meaning. Also check out the recent post on serial commas and serial semicolons on. 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. Semicolons and colons basic grammar and punctuation. I have a big test tomorrow comma, semicolon as a result, i cant go out tonight.
The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. 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. Semicolons, colons, quotation marks, dashes, parentheses and apostrophes the semicolon. Place semicolons between items in lists if some items the list include commas.
In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Many companies make sugarfree soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals the drinks. For more information about commas, semicolons, and colons in apa style, see pages 88 to 90 of the publication manual, sixth edition 4. Conjunctions thats your ands, buts, and ors can do that too. Dashes can be used in pairs, like commas and parentheses, to set off an inserted comment in a sentence. Students determine whether the clauses need to be joined with commas or semicolons. The manuscript left many unanswered questions are the archives complete. Explanations and examples of the three primary semicolons usages. Rule 4 for colons says that if the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence, then a colon is used. As you watch the video, fill in the chart below with each rule. Semicolons, colons, and dashes sonoma state university. Once you master the rules for effective punctuation, your writing skills will improve. 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.
Semicolon worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. It is more pronounced and has a pause slightly longer than a comma. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. Semicolons, colons, and dashes are confusing for many writers, but theyre really easy to. Many companies make lowfat foods, these foods contain less than five percent of fat per serving. Semicolons join independent clauses and items in a series. Our semicolon worksheets are free to download and easy to access in pdf format. The menu included brisket, chicken, and pork barbeque. In this sentence, the semicolon is used instead of a period. This office cannot accept your complaint, we have brought it before the appropriate. Each of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon.
It separates clauses and phrases that are closely related or that receive the same emphasis. 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. Commas, semicolons, and colons the chicago school of. In each sentence, a popup box is placed where punctuation might be needed. A brief quizsemicolons add semicolons or periods where needed.
In the following fivepart exercise select true or false to indicate whether the sentence uses the appropriate comma or semicolon. But you shouldnt use a semicolon and a conjunction. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and. Determine whether to use a comma, a semicolon, or no punctuation at all. The semicolon provides a more emphatic separation than the comma. So, its better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay. It is important for students to know that the semicolon does not function in the same way as the comma. Some important dates in us history are july, 4, 1776. Also check out the recent post on serial commas and serial semicolons on the mla style center. Determine if the empty spaces need a semicolon, a comma, or no punctuation.
A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Colons introduce a list, a quote or formal statement, a restatement, or an explanation. If your students are anything like mine, they struggle with commas and semicolons. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. 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. 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. Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn. Practice involves inserting quotation marks in sentences where needed.
The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the. Im going to leave early today, unless the boss comes back from the meeting. 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.
The writing center commas, semicolons, and colons guides. What are commas, semicolons, and colons cliffsnotes. Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian. Punctuation commas, semicolons, colons, quotation marks.
Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following. To connect independent clauses and avoid runon sentences b. Think you know when to use a colon in your writing. Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons. Semicolons can be used in place of a comma, especially in a list already. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Quite often it is the writers opinion that will determine which of the two is used. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses.
Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Think you know when to use a semicolon in your writing. Carla often participated in school plays, but she always ended up playing minor roles. 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. Colons, semicolons, dashes, and parentheses first floor william t. From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from usage woes to grammar. The ssu writing centerlocated in 1008 salazar libraryoffers tutorial. Commas, colons, and semicolons commas are used to separate ideas, to set off special elements, and to set off quotations. Identify whether to use colons or semicolons in sentences. However, there are other instances where commas should be used as well.
Colons and semicolons the colon follows an independent clause a complete statement and introduces one of three things. 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. Part iv all the commas and semicolons have been omitted from the following sentences. Each number contains one or two sentences which may have one or more commas or semicolons missing. Looking for a worksheet to help your students master commas and semicolons. 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. A semicolon can be used to join two or more complete sentences independent clauses.
Commas indicate pauses or brief breaks between ideas in sentences. 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. After the video, use what you know to write a sentence that is an example of each rule. Identify which punctuation mark should be used in the sentences. 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. My parents, who met each other in 1962, have been married for 50 years. Topics youll learn about include periods, semicolons, and colons, and the companion quizzes will measure your knowledge on how to use them. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice.
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