Semicolon Quiz

What is the most common use of a semicolon?

• To join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction

• To replace commas when listing items

• To connect related independent clauses

• To divide the items of a list

Tags

S2493313

When should a semicolon be followed by a capitalized word?

• Always

• Only if the word is a proper noun

• Only if the word is an acronym

• Never

Tags

S2493313

Which of the following examples demonstrates correct use of a semicolon?

• I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch, life's too short for counting calories.

• Martha has gone to the library, her sister has gone to play soccer.

• I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life's too short for counting calories.

• Martha has gone to the library; her sister has gone to play soccer.

Tags

S2493313

What does a semicolon replace when showing contrast between independent clauses?

• A comma

• A period

• A coordinating conjunction

• An exclamation mark

Tags

S2493313

Which of the following is a correct use of a semicolon?

• I saw a magnificent albatross, and it was eating a mouse.

• I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse.

• I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse and a fish.

• I saw a magnificent albatross, it was eating a mouse.

Tags

S2493313

What can a semicolon replace in a serial list?

• A comma

• A period

• A coordinating conjunction

• An exclamation mark

Tags

S2493313

When should a semicolon be used with conjunctive adverbs?

• When the adverb is at the start of a sentence

• When the adverb is at the end of a sentence

• When the adverb is in the middle of a sentence

• When the adverb is linking two independent clauses

Tags

S2493313

Which of the following examples demonstrates correct use of a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb?

• I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air. also, I needed to buy milk.

• Reports of the damage caused by the hurricane were greatly exaggerated; indeed, the storm was not a hurricane at all.

• The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn't dangerous if it was early in the evening.

• I'm not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don't smell very good.

Tags

S2493313

What is the purpose of using semicolons in a serial list?

• To separate items that contain internal punctuation

• To make the list look more organized

• To indicate a pause in the sentence

• To replace commas in the list

Tags

S2493313

Which of the following examples demonstrates correct use of a semicolon in a serial list?

• I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England, London, Ontario, Paris, France, Paris, Ontario, and Perth, Scotland, Perth, Ontario.

• I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris, France; Paris, Ontario; and Perth, Scotland; Perth, Ontario.

• My plan included taking him to a nice-though not necessarily expensive-dinner, going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year, and serenading him with my accordion.

• My plan included taking him to a nice-though not necessarily expensive-dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion.

Tags

S2493313