D.C. Comp Punctuation Practice

Front

What is the correct punctuation for listing items in a sentence?

Back

Use a colon (:) before the list if the introductory clause is a complete sentence. Example: "I enjoy many kinds of music: jazz, rock, and classical."

Front

How should a quote be introduced in a sentence?

Back

Use a colon (:) before the quote if the introduction is a complete sentence. Example: "Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice opens with the following satirical comment: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged...'"

Front

What is the rule for punctuating items in a series?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a series, and use a semicolon (;) to separate complex items that contain commas. Example: "The room was decorated with balloons; red, yellow, and black streamers; and glow-in-the-dark stars."

Front

What does it mean for a sentence to be parallel?

Back

A sentence is parallel when it uses the same grammatical structure for similar elements. Example: "She likes reading, writing, and jogging."

Front

What is the correct punctuation for independent clauses joined by a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before the conjunction. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list. Example: "I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight."

Front

What is the function of a colon in a sentence?

Back

A colon introduces a list, a quote, or an explanation. Example: "He had one goal: to win the championship."

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a parenthetical element?

Back

Use commas to set off the parenthetical element. Example: "The car, which was red, sped past us."

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence with a quote?

Back

Use a comma before the quote if it is preceded by a phrase that introduces it. Example: "He said, 'I will be there soon.'"

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list, and place a comma before the conjunction in a series (Oxford comma). Example: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."