Grammar Lesson: Semicolons and Colons

Which of the following lists is correct?

• I invited Beth, my roommate; Jessi, my friend, and Katie, my mom.

• I invited: Beth, my roommate: Jessi, my friend; and Katie, my mom.

• I invited: Beth, my roommate, Jessi, my friend, and Katie, my mom.

• I invited Beth, my roommate: Jessi, my friend, and Katie, my mom.

Which punctuation mark do I use between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (THAMO)?

• Comma

• Colon

• Semicolon

• Exclamation point

In which sentence is a colon used correctly?

• It hardly ever snows: in California, but it's a beautiful place to live.

• Marisa: won several awards for her short stories last year.

• Have you ever seen a: horse in the wild?

• Devon admires his uncle for two reasons: he's great at rollerblading and building treehouses.

Which of the following is NOT a conjunctive adverb (THAMO)?

• Furthermore

• However

• Also

• Therefore

Choose the correct sentence.

• My sandwich must have the following toppings: lettuce, onions, and pickles.

• My sandwich must have the following toppings; lettuce, onions, and pickles.

• My sandwich must have the following toppings: lettuce; onions; and pickles.

• My sandwich must have the following toppings lettuce: onions: and pickles.

What is one use of a colon?

• To show that a dialogue is ending

• To end a sentence

• Introducing items in a list

• To show that a sentence is beginning

Semicolons can be used anywhere.

• True

• False

Semicolons and colons have the same grammatical rules.

• True

• False

The students were studying for their history test ___ it covers everything from the 1850's to the present.

• . (period)

• : (colon)

• ; (semicolon)

• , (comma)

Choose the correct sentence.

• My alarm clock did not ring; therefore, I was late for school.

• My alarm clock did not ring: therefore, I was late for school.

• My alarm clock did not ring, therefore, I was late for school.