To join two independent clauses complete sentences that are closely related to join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase therefore, however, as a result, in fact, etc. Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are related to one another. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. Eating healthy helps you lose weight staying fit keeps you healthy. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and. In this example, the introductory words are such as, precluding the need for a colon. Semicolon errors adapted from the nose tree in german fairy tales and popular stories by jacob grimm and wilhelm grimm trans. Information youll be assessed on includes determining the proper. If a sentence is correct, type correct in the textbox. Carla often participated in school plays, but she always ended up playing minor roles. There are a number of rules to keep in mind if you plan on putting a semicolon in a sentence. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses.
Description how does a writer use a semicolon, colon, or dash. State that a semicolon is used to separate a series or list in which commas are already a part i. Colons and semicolons as linking punctuation part i one of the important functions of the colon. Replace each set of brackets with an appropriate mark of punctuation. Semicolon usage practice questions study guide zone. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. They are used to separate two clauses that are grammatically independent but have related meanings.
This handout shows how to use them in ways that most academic readers expect. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses in one sentence. Semicolons and colons university of texas at dallas. Some common conjunctive adverbs are therefore, however, consequently, and hence.
Semicolon exercises wilmu student writing resources. Often they will use both marks interchangeably or inappropriately use another punctuation mark, like a period or comma. Use a semicolon to emphasize the link between the ideas of two independent clauses i. Check the spelling of all names in the heartland directory. Determine whether to use a comma, a semicolon, or no punctuation at all. I like going fishing i dont like putting worms on hooks. Jul 02, 2012 bristol university has a handy quiz to help you grasp semicolon usage, it gives you good feedback explaining why you gave the right or wrong answer. Colons and semicolons are punctuation marks that confound many people. A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons. The semicolon is one of the least common punctuation marks, but it is a useful one.
Correct semicolon and colon errors in the following exercises. A semicolon exists as a key on a standard keyboard. Review the comma and semicolon rules with the students. 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. Phrases include on the other hand, in fact, and in conclusion. A semicolon is a bridge that joins two independent clauses with the same basic idea or joins phrases in a series. The semicolon may be the most misunderstood punctuation mark of all.
Place a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a conjunctive adverb, also known as a transitional word or phrase. Semicolons, colons, and dashes what this handout is about this handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. The section on semicolons and colons contains rules for using these punctuation marks, examples, and also ten practice exercises. In the following fivepart exercise select true or false to indicate whether the sentence uses the appropriate comma or semicolon. Do the following exercise to practice what youve learned. Up close and personal central missouri trees is a special community presentation planned for wednesday at. This is in contrast to the red light that stops traffic until the light changes. So, its better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay. Remember, a semicolon connects complete ideas or items in a list that have internal commas. Read each sentence below, and write another sentence using the same punctuation marks. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Two common uses for semicolons 1 a semicolon is much like a period.
Semicolon and colon rules johnson county community. Understanding the functions of the semicolon and colon will help you use them effectively. Using semicolons and colons a semicolon indicates a partial stop in a sentence. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Bristol university has a handy quiz to help you grasp semicolon usage, it gives you good feedback explaining why you gave the right or wrong answer. Revise the following sentences by adding commas where they are needed.
However, it only tests your knowledge regarding semicolon usage within sentences, and there are a few other uses of the semicolon i. It is also used before introductory words like that is, namely, for example, etc. He loves the irish descendents, he goes to all of their concerts. Besides being used between independent clauses not linked by conjunctions, semicolons are used in the following situations. Semicolons are sometimes used instead of full stops. Everyone would like to wear them, but not many people can. To connect independent clauses and avoid runon sentences b. Select the pair of words between which the colon should be placed. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Mistakes include missing, unwanted, or misplaced colons, semicolons, parentheses, and quotation marks. Heres a fun, free, and awesome online activity about commas and semicolons. Semicolons and colons semicolons and colons intimidate many people because writers do not understand how these punctuation marks operate within the text. If a sentence needs no corrections, mark it with a c. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to separate items in a list in the following sentences.
Semicolons are most often used to connect two independent clauses full. I believe there are 3 things to achieving good grades. As opposed to the comma, the semicolon principally separates related sentences. The second clause is not independent and so a semicolon cannot be used here. This quiz will have you recall a number of factors regarding semicolons. Pasta, a large family of shaped, dried wheat pastes, is a basic staple in many countries. Determine if the empty spaces need a semicolon, a comma, or no punctuation. In each sentence, a popup box is placed where punctuation might be needed. 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.
Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the appropriate and necessary conditions for using punctuation. Each number contains one or two sentences which may have one or more commas or semicolons missing. Semicolons and independent clauses use a semicolon to join independent clauses not already joined by a comma and. Nov 27, 2019 a punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. As john lannon, an author of a text on technical writing, says, a semicolon usually works like a blinking red traffic light a t an intersection by signaling a brief but definite stop. Check your answers and read the explanations below. Place a semicolon between two independent clauses they could stand alone as a sentence to link them in the same sentence. Throughout the paragraph, youll find a number of empty paired brackets. The following paragraph has been adapted from the body in question by author, physician, and television presenter jonathan miller. Colons, semicolons, and dashes punctuation can be used to connect groups of words. Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian.
Place semicolons between items in lists if some items the list include commas. When you are finished, hit the check my work button at the bottom of the page. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to select. Using semicolons and colons school of liberal arts. Mary, who was 32 years old javier, who was 28 years old and ming, who was 17 years old. The semicolon practice 1 prentice hall bridge page. Fortunately, semicolons and colons are much easier to pull off than top hats and. When to use the semicolon english practice learn and. Thus, the semicolon separates groups of words that could be complete sentences by themselves. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website.
Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. Insert any semicolons or commas needed in the following sentences. Use this quizworksheet combo to help you test your understanding of colons, semicolons, and periods. Please add or delete colons and semicolons, as necessary.
In the following sentences, click on the places where punctuation is undesired, is missing, or requires change. Uses of the semicolon the semicolon is used to separate lengthy coordinate clauses where the coordinate conjunction is omitted. However, it only tests your knowledge regarding semicolon usage within sentences, and there are a few other uses of the semicolon i will go on to explain. The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. A rule for using colons is to add one between a complete sentence and a list of items in the absence of introductory words. Do this by clicking on the red button next to your choice. Insert semicolons as needed in the following sentences. Colons act as signposts to alert readers to important information. Use a semicolon to separate items in a list that already contain commas.
Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn. Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug. This worksheet covers some of the most common uses of colons and semicolons. Semicolon worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. Exercising helps to keep you healthy and fit proper nutrition is also important. It takes the place of the comma and conjunction that usually join two independent clauses.
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