Colons, Semicolons, and Commas

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

• I love going to the beach; and collecting shells.

• I love going to the beach and; collecting shells.

• I love going to the beach; also, I love collecting shells.

Answer explanation

Make sure there is an independent clause on each side of the semicolon.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• Waffles are better than pancakes; they don't get soggy as quickly.

• Waffles are better than pancakes; and they don't get soggy as quickly.

• Waffles are better than pancakes because: they don't get soggy as quickly.

Answer explanation

Remember that you don't need the FANBOYS with semicolons.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

• They couldn't make it back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.

• Luckily; they had a tent and sleeping bags.

• They looked up at the night sky; and enjoyed the stars.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

• John F. Kennedy said it best. “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

• John F. Kennedy said it best; “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

• John F. Kennedy said it best: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

What punctuation is needed for the blank?

Lucas put on a few pounds during the holidays__ so he decided to join a gym.

• ;

• :

• ,

• no punctuation needed

Answer explanation

"So" is one of the FANBOYS. It is powerful enough to join two independent clauses with the help of just a comma.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.4.2C

We spent the last six hours calling the airport__ nevertheless, the missing luggage has not turned up.

• no punctuation needed

• ,

• :

• ;

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Pete knew exactly where he would propose to his girlfriend__ on top of the Eiffel Tower.

• ,

• ;

• :

• no punctuation needed

Answer explanation

The phrase "on top of the Eiffel Tower" is and expansion of the "where" in the independent clause before the colon.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Which sentence is correct?

• We always go to the mountains in the fall; they are at their prettiest at that time of year.

• We always go to the mountains in the fall they are at their prettiest at that time of year.

• We always go to the mountains in the fall, they are at their prettiest at that time of year.

• We always go to the mountains, in the fall; they are at their prettiest at that time of year.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Which sentence is correct?

• Dauphin Island located off the coast of Alabama is a favorite spot for fishing.

• Dauphin Island, located off the coast of Alabama is a favorite spot for fishing.

• Dauphin Island, located off the coast of Alabama, is a favorite spot for fishing.

• Dauphin Island; located off the coast of Alabama, is a favorite spot for fishing.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.4.2C

Which sentence is correct?

• She was, as a matter of fact, mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

• She was as a matter of fact, mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

• She was; as a matter of fact, mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

• She was as a matter of fact mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

Answer explanation

The phrase "as a matter of fact" is an interrupter and needs to be bracketed by commas.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A