Semicolons & Colons

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• I have: four classes this semester Algebra, Physics, Art, and History.

• I have four classes this semester: Algebra, Physics, Art, and History.

• I have four classes: this semester Algebra, Physics, Art, and History.

• I have four classes this semester: Algebra: Physics: Art: and History.

Which statement uses the colon correctly?

• The storm destroyed: the yard, our driveways, and many trees.

• Just beyond the mountain, we could see: silhouetted by the setting sun, a herd of wild horses running.

• My tool box has all of the tools one usually requires: a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench.

• My neighbor adopted a cute little kitten that has: stripes, long whiskers, and white paws.

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• I: like many sports, basketball, football, baseball, and hockey.

• I played several sports in school: softball, tennis, and volleyball.

• He is an expert in: archery, tennis, and karate.

• The athlete spent much time in: running, stretching, and lifting weights.

Where should a semicolon be placed in order to punctuate the sentence correctly?

Dr. Martin Luther King wanted a world where his own children "would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" therefore, he used nonviolent protest to fight for civil rights.

• after wanted

• after children

• after King

• after character

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the semicolon?

• There have been many accidents during races for example; last year one of the cars crashed into a guard rail.

• There have been many accidents during races; for example, last year one of the cars crashed into a guard rail.

• There have been many accidents during races for example, last year; one of the cars crashed into a guard rail.

• There have been many accidents; during races for example, last year one of the cars crashed into a guard rail.

Which sentence needs a colon to introduce a list?

• For breakfast we ate sliced fruit, yogurt, and toast with jam.

• The parking lot has several kinds of cars in it sports cars, vans, and trucks.

• Over the past year, our family has visited Florida, Maine, and Vermont.

• When the power went out, we had to throw away the milk, the butter, and the hamburger meat.

Where should a semicolon be placed in the following sentence?

I stayed up late studying for my test therefore, I am very tired today.

• after studying

• after late

• before therefore

• after therefore

Where should a semicolon be placed in the following sentence?

Yesterday was my actual birthday however, I am not celebrating it until the weekend.

• before however

• after however

• after it

• after yesterday

Which transition should be used in the following sentence?

I studied very hard for the test; ______________ , I earned an excellent score.

• however

• for example

• as a result

• and

Where should the colon(s) be placed in this sentence?

To bake the cake, we will need several ingredients flour, sugar, eggs, and milk.

• after need

• after ingredients

• after flour, after sugar, after eggs

• after cake