Our semicolon worksheets are free to download and easy to access in pdf format. Words like however, moreover, thus, and therefore, are often used as connectors in these sentences. These sentences help your child explore the use of colons, semicolons, and dashes. It is important for students to know that the semicolon does not function in the same way as the comma. Now, when the sentences themselves contain commas, it is possible to outrank those commas by using a semicolon before the conjunction instead of. The semicolon, colon, and dash are among the punctuation marks most neglected.
Read each sentence below, and write another sentence using the same punctuation marks. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. Use this quiz worksheet combo to help you test your understanding of colons, semicolons, and periods. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses. Online writing lab semicolons, exercise 1 dyouville. Semicolon, colon, and comma quiz by english 10 mother hen tpt. Many writers are confused about when to use a semicolon and when to use a colon. Other uses 149 semicolonscolons exercise 1 directions. Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug.
In this grammar worksheet, your child learns how to write sentences using a colon, semicolon, or dash. Start studying semicolon, colon, and comma practice. A semicolon belongs in each of the following sentences. To explain the proper use of a semicolon to combine independent clauses and in. Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in the translucent glass of the overhead light. In addition, the colon has conventional uses to separate certain elements. Bert was proud of his new title vice president of sales.
The colon can be used to give details of a word or phrase before it. A worksheet for teachingrevising colons and semicolons, including definitions, sentence examples and a paragraphing exercise. Grammar and mechanics using the colon and semicolon. The second clause is not independent and so a semicolon cannot be used here. Simply put, the colon is used to provide a pause before introducing related information, while the semicolon is just a break in a sentence that is stronger than a comma but not as final as a full stop. In writing a strategy statement, i had to combine many words in one sentence. If someone ask you to explain colon vs semicolon, what would you say. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. Semicolons and colons provides students with the correct. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Uses of the semicolon problems with semicolons quiz. Single space after a period is now the accepted practice. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
Using a colon adds a bit of emphasis to the second clause. In the following fivepart exercise select true or false to indicate whether the sentence uses the appropriate comma or semicolon. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. However, if you think a semicolon makes your sentence clearer, you can use one. A semicolon is a bridge that joins two independent clauses with the same basic idea or joins phrases in a series. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon. 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 is used to join two sentences when they are very closely related and a conjunction becomes too wordy. Semicolon worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. Now proceed to the next sentence and continue in the same manner until you have finished all 10. I like going fishing i dont like putting worms on hooks. Colons, semicolons, and dashes punctuation can be used to connect groups of words. Think you know when to use a semicolon in your writing.
Working in small groups, develop a quiz on the information in the video to be. Often they will use both marks interchangeably or inappropriately use another punctuation mark, like a period or comma. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Then, students will determine whether five sentences have correct or incorrect punctuation. Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more.
Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and. To connect independent clauses and avoid runon sentences b. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the. Understanding the functions of the semicolon and colon will help you use them effectively. Remember, a semicolon connects complete ideas or items in a list that have internal commas.
The main rule for these punctuation marks is to use them sparingly. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. 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. 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. The quick answer when a conjunction words like and, but and or is used to merge two independent clauses into one sentence, it is possible to use a semicolon before the conjunction to outrank any commas in the clause. Use commas to separate items in a list if none of the items in the list require commas too. Sentence combining using the colon and the semicolon variety in sentence construction adds sophistication to your writing. It includes practice questions, instructional content, and a quiz to test your knowledge. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Quiz answer key sponsored by the center for teaching and learning of uis tf commas clarify meaning and set sentence meter for readers. Khan academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, worldclass education for anyone, anywhere. The tucker family will serve as grand marshals for the. Then select the word that comes just before the semicolon. Learn semicolon colon english with free interactive flashcards.
Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons. Quia commas, semicolons and colons millionaire game. Determine whether to use a comma, a semicolon, or no punctuation at all. Students will add the appropriate punctuation mark semicolon, colon, or comma to 11 blanks in a short paragraph. Semicolon, colon, and comma practice flashcards quizlet. Colons and semicolons are two valuable pieces of punctuation that separate sentence elements from each other. It is used to indicate that what follows after it is an explanation of what precedes it. Choose from 500 different sets of semicolon colon english flashcards on quizlet. Here, the conjunction and has been used to merge the two sentences into one. Learn semicolon colons with free interactive flashcards.
Colon, an important punctuation mark, consists of two equalsized dots vertically placed to each other. Identify which punctuation mark should be used in the sentences. When this happens, it is normal to use a comma before the conjunction. When not to use a semicolon use commas, not semicolons, after an independent clause it could stand alone as a full sentence joined with another independent clause by a coordinating conjunction for, and. Given below are some of the most common and important uses of a colon. Interrupting information nonessential phrases may come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Note that both the colon and semicolon are followed by a single space. Remember not to capitalize any words other than proper noun. Today, lets look at the difference and the usage of colon vs. As a result you can sometimes test the use of the colon by replacing it with the subordinating conjunction because. Carla often participated in school plays, but she always ended up playing minor roles.
Description how does a writer use a semicolon, colon, or dash. Using semicolons before conjunctions and, or, but, etc. Correctly place a semicolon or colon in the following sentences. Colons and semicolons the colon follows an independent clause a complete statement and introduces one of three things. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. Circle the punctuation mark that you would use for each rule. Examples on a beautiful spring day, they had a picnic. Colons act as signposts to alert readers to important information. A wink to the semicolon celebrating the semicolon in a most unlikely location1 by sam roberts february 18, 2008 the new york times it was nearly hidden on a new york city transit public service placard exhorting subway riders not to leave their newspaper behind when they get off the train.
You can use a semicolon to separate these two independent clauses. The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. In each sentence, a popup box is placed where punctuation might be needed. Choose from 500 different sets of semicolon colons flashcards on quizlet. This refresher module explains how to use semicolons and colons. Unlike the semicolon, the information that follows a colon does not have to be in the form of an independent clause. You may have to remove other punctuation marks if they interfere with semicolon or colon placement. Multiple choice select the choice with the correct use of semicolons. Well, the semicolon is the squiggle with the dot above it most of us could probably recognize a colon and a semicolon, but do we know how to use them correctly. Colons colons, like semicolons, combine two independent clauses which are closely related, but in the case of the colon the second clause explains the first. Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. An alternative to using the semicolon is to combine the sentences with a joining word. Select the pair of words between which the colon should be placed.
I believe there are 3 things to achieving good grades. If no semicolon or colon needs to be added, write c for correct in the left margin. A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. Semicolons join independent clauses and items in a series. Semicolons and colons basic grammar and punctuation.
Colons and semicolons worksheet teaching resources. Exercising helps to keep you healthy and fit proper nutrition is also important. Check the spelling of all names in the heartland directory. To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas. Do this by clicking on the red button next to your choice. The city of paris, ontario, is undergoing a major revival discovery communications is moving into town. Children often find these sophisticated punctuation marks very difficult to use, so you may need to offer help. To join independent clauses in compound sentences that do not have coordinating conjunctions and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet and commas as connectors. One common use of the colon is to introduce a list. The semicolon is pointless, and its ruining your writing how to use semicolons and colons a semicolon is used to join two sentences when they are very closely related and a conjunction becomes too wordy. By replacing this period with a semicolon, the sentence will be rewritten as visit me tomorrow. Browse 500 sets of semicolon colon english flashcards. Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to select.
Eating healthy helps you lose weight staying fit keeps you healthy. Correct semicolon and colon errors in the following exercises. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. It is more pronounced and has a pause slightly longer than a comma. Going to the circus is fun however the clowns can be scary. The semicolon looks like a comma with a period above it, and this can be a good way to remember what it does. For example, we were able to find these two sentences in the chicago manual of style. Punctuating with semicolons and colons the semicolon and colon look similar. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following. Up close and personal central missouri trees is a special community presentation planned for wednesday at. Use a colonnot a semicolonwhen what follows the punctuation restates what comes before. This practice is acceptable, but it is considered outdated these days.
A colon is made up of two dots, one placed above the other. Information youll be assessed on includes determining the proper uses of colons and. What is the author of touched, jane straus, wrote in the first chapter. A semicolon can replace the period between two related clauses or sentences. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Semicolon, colon, and comma quiz by english 10 mother hen. The use of these punctuation marks often confuses students. To save a pdf copy of the report, click below and follow instructions for your browser.
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