Grammar: Colons and Semicolons

Fill in the blank:

A _____________ is a punctuation mark that represents a more significant pause than a comma but less significant than a period.

• Colon

• Hyphen

• Semicolon

• Dash

Fill in the blank:

A ___________ is a punctuation mark that is used to divide a sentence. It has a variety of uses, some of which include introducing a list, introducing an explanation, introducing a quote, and connecting two related sentences.

• Hyphen

• Colon

• Comma

• Semicolon

Where is a colon needed?

You will need to have the following items for the trip tent, lantern, matches, and a compass.

• after the word items

• after the word trip

Where is a colon needed?

Our class studied the works of the following painters Degas, Manet, Monet, Sisley, and Gauguin.

• after the word studied

• after the word painters

Where is a colon needed?

After a sleepless night, the senator made her decision she would not seek re-election.

• after the word decision

• after the word seek

Where is a colon needed?

Music is more than a mechanical arrangement of sounds it is an expression of deep feelings and ethical values.

• after the word arrangement

• after the word sounds

Where is a semicolon needed?

Dad is going bald his hair is getting thinner and thinner.

• hair;

• bald;

• Dad;

• getting;

Where is a semicolon needed?

I have finished the main course now I have to make dessert.

• finished;

• now;

• main;

• course;

Where is a semicolon needed?

I had a huge meal however, I am already hungry again.

• meal;

• however;

• already;

• hungry;

Which sentence uses semi colons correctly?

• The Europe trip will include visits to London, England, Rome, Italy; Paris, France, Munich, Germany, and Warsaw, Poland.
• The Europe trip will include visits to London; England, Rome; Italy, Paris; France, Munich; Germany, and Warsaw; Poland.
• The Europe trip will include visits to London, England; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; Munich, Germany; and Warsaw, Poland.