Punctuation Quiz

What is the purpose of using a comma in a sentence?

• To indicate the end of a sentence

• To connect two unrelated ideas

• To add emphasis to a word

• To separate items in a list, to separate clauses in a sentence, and to indicate a pause in a sentence.

When should a semicolon be used in a sentence?

• To introduce a list of items in a sentence.

• To indicate possession in a sentence.

• To connect a subject and a verb in a sentence.

• To separate two independent clauses in a sentence.

What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?

• A hyphen is used in math equations, while a dash is used in chemistry formulas.

• A hyphen is shorter and is used to join words or to separate syllables of a single word. A dash is longer and is used to separate phrases or to indicate a pause or break in a sentence.

• A hyphen is used to indicate a range, while a dash is used to indicate a negative number.

• A hyphen is only used in American English, while a dash is only used in British English.

Which punctuation mark is used to indicate a question?

• ?

• ,

• !

• .

What is the function of an exclamation mark in a sentence?

• To indicate strong feelings or high volume

• To indicate a question

• To show emphasis on a word

• To signal the end of a sentence

When should parentheses be used in writing?

• To indicate the beginning of a sentence

• To set off nonessential information or to indicate an interruption in the main thought of a sentence.

• To emphasize important information

• To separate two independent clauses

What is the purpose of using quotation marks in a sentence?

• To indicate the end of a sentence

• To indicate direct quotations or highlight specific words or phrases.

• To show emphasis on random words

• To confuse the reader

Which punctuation mark is used to separate items in a list?

• :

• ;

• ,

• .

When should an ellipsis be used in writing?

• To indicate the end of a sentence

• To emphasize a point

• To separate paragraphs

• To indicate a pause, omission, or trailing off of speech or thought