Punctuation Mastery

When should a comma be used in a sentence?

• To separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses when joined by a coordinating conjunction, and after introductory phrases or clauses.

• To confuse the reader

• To emphasize a point

• To separate vowels in a word

What is the correct way to use quotation marks in a sentence?

• Place the quotation marks around the direct speech or the title of the short work.

• Place the quotation marks at the beginning of every sentence

• Use quotation marks only for long works

• Do not use quotation marks at all

How are apostrophes used to show possession?

• By adding 's to the end of a singular noun or just an apostrophe after a plural noun

• By adding an exclamation mark after the noun

• By using a comma before the noun

• By adding 's to the beginning of a singular noun

Differentiate between a colon and a semicolon.

• A colon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses, while a semicolon is used to introduce a list.

• A colon is used to introduce a list or to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. A semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses.

• A colon is used to separate two closely related independent clauses, while a semicolon is used to separate items in a list.

• A colon is used to end a sentence, while a semicolon is used to start a sentence.

When should a hyphen be used in a word?

• To separate the letters in a word

• To join two or more words together

• To indicate possession

• To show emphasis in a sentence

What is the purpose of parentheses and brackets in a sentence?

• To indicate the end of a sentence

• To connect two independent clauses

• To show emphasis or excitement

• To enclose additional information or indicate a separate group within a sentence.

Provide an example of a sentence using a dash for emphasis.

• The dog ran away - again.

• She was determined to finish the race - no matter what.

• He went to the store - to buy some milk.

• I am so excited - to see you.

Explain the correct usage of a semicolon in a sentence.

• A semicolon is used to separate a subject and a verb in a sentence.

• A semicolon is used to indicate a list of items in a sentence.

• A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in a sentence.

• A semicolon is used to connect a dependent clause with an independent clause in a sentence.

When should a comma be used before a coordinating conjunction?

• When the coordinating conjunction is joining two independent clauses.

• When the coordinating conjunction is joining a dependent clause and an independent clause.

• When the coordinating conjunction is joining two prepositional phrases.

• When the coordinating conjunction is joining a subject and a verb.

What is the difference between an en dash and an em dash?

• An en dash is used to show a range of numbers or to connect related items, while an em dash is used to indicate a break in a sentence or to set off parenthetical statements.

• An en dash is longer than an em dash

• An en dash is used for parentheses, while an em dash is used for hyphens

• An en dash is used for quotations, while an em dash is used for lists