ENG 11 Grammar 27.3: Semicolons & Colons P. 154

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

1. I expected an important package this morning therefore, I waited several hours for the mail.

• I expected an important package this morning; therefore, I waited several hours for the mail.

• I expected an important package this morning, therefore, I waited several hours for the mail.

• I expected an important package; this morning therefore, I waited several hours for the mail.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

2. Sam, who lives near the library, has been assigned to do the research and Tom will organize the final report.

• Sam, who lives near the library, has been assigned to do the research; and Tom will organize the final report.

• Sam, who lives near the library, has been assigned to do the research; and Tom, will organize the final report.

• Sam, who lives near the library, has been assigned to do the research, and Tom will organize the final report.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

3. Traverse City is in Northern Michigan Detroit is in Southern Michigan.

• Traverse City is in Northern Michigan, Detroit is in Southern Michigan.

• Traverse City is in Northern Michigan; Detroit is in Southern Michigan.

• Traverse City, is in Northern Michigan; Detroit is in Southern Michigan.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

4. My friends intended to go shopping but they were unable to get someone to drive them.

• My friends intended to go shopping, but they were unable to get someone to drive them.

• My friends intended to go shopping; but they were unable to get someone to drive them.

• My friends intended to go; shopping but they were unable to get someone to drive them.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

5. Our hope was to coordinate our efforts as a result, we waited several hours for instruction.

• Our hope was to coordinate; our efforts as a result, we waited several hours for instruction.

• Our hope was to coordinate our efforts, as a result, we waited several hours for instruction.

• Our hope was to coordinate our efforts; as a result, we waited several hours for instruction.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

6. My sister plans to attend college next year in fact, she has already been accepted to one.

• My sister plans to attend college next year, in fact, she has already been accepted to one.

• My sister plans to attend college next year; in fact, she has already been accepted to one.

• My sister, plans to attend college next year; in fact, she has already been accepted to one.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

7. After the hurricane, we surveyed the shoreline, which bore the brunt of the storm inland bungalows, without roofs and often a heap of rubble and local roads, strewn with debris and fallen trees.

• After the hurricane, we surveyed the shoreline; which bore the brunt of the storm inland bungalows, without roofs and often a heap of rubble and local roads, strewn with debris and fallen trees.

• After the hurricane, we surveyed the shoreline, which bore the brunt of the storm, inland bungalows, without roofs and often a heap of rubble, and local roads, strewn with debris and fallen trees.

• After the hurricane, we surveyed the shoreline, which bore the brunt of the storm; inland bungalows, without roofs and often a heap of rubble; and local roads, strewn with debris and fallen trees.

Exercise 1: Understanding the Use of Semicolons

Identify the correct use of semicolons in the sentence. Some sentences may require only a comma.

8. My grandparents arrived early and my parents were somewhat embarrassed by the condition of our house.

• My grandparents arrived early; and my parents were somewhat embarrassed by the condition of our house.

• My grandparents arrived early, and my parents were somewhat embarrassed by the condition of our house.

• My grandparents; arrived early and my parents were somewhat embarrassed by the condition of our house.

Exercise 2: Understanding the Use of Colons

Identify the correct use of colons in the sentence.

9. My aunt arrived at the airport at 1017.

• My aunt arrived: at the airport at 10:17.

• My aunt: arrived at the airport at 1017.

• My aunt arrived at the airport at 10:17.

Exercise 2: Understanding the Use of Colons

Identify the correct use of colons in the sentence.

10. Danger This water is polluted.

• Danger This water is: polluted.

• Danger: This water is polluted.

• Danger This water: is polluted.