Commas, Colons, & Semicolons: Quickie Review

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas in a series?

• I need to buy eggs, milk, bread and cheese.

• He enjoys reading writing and painting.

• He went to the store, to the park, and to the library.

Answer explanation

When listing items in a series, use a comma + "and" before listing the last item.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2C

CCSS.L.5.2A

CCSS.L.7.2A

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a comma to set off an introductory element.

• After, the rain stopped the sun came out.

• In the morning I like to go for a run.

• Before we eat dinner, we always say grace.

Answer explanation

Make sure to read the sentence carefully! The correct answer is the only grammatically correct option. It is an example of a complex sentence. A dependent clause + a independent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Choose the sentence that correctly uses commas to set off nonessential information.

• The book that I read last night was interesting.

• My best friend, Sarah, is coming to visit tomorrow.

• The car we drove to the beach, was blue.

Answer explanation

If you take "Sarah" ou of the sentence, it still makes sense. It just tells who the best friend is.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a semicolon to join independent clauses?

• She went to the store; to buy some groceries.

• I like to read books; they take me to different worlds.

• He ran to catch the bus; but missed it.

Answer explanation

Semicolons join independent clauses to create a compound sentence; however, they are not used along with coordinating conjunctions (such as "but").

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the sentence that correctly uses a colon to introduce a list.

• My favorite colors are: blue, green, and purple.

• Sarah said: "I will be there at 5 pm."

• The dog barked loudly: warning us of danger.

• I have so many chores to do: dishes, laundry, gardening, and cooking.

Answer explanation

Use a colon t introduce a list only if the words before the colon create a complete sentence; otherwise, it is just a regular sentence with commas and an oxford comma.

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• During class, the teacher pointed out the following: history is doomed to repeat itself.

• 
  During class, the teacher pointed out a theme: history is doomed to repeat itself.

• During class the teacher pointed out the following history is doomed to repeat itself.

• During class: the teacher pointed out that history is doomed to repeat itself.

Answer explanation

The information after the colon illustrates or amplifies the information that precedes the colon.  A colon must follow a complete sentence!

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Does this salutation use colon correctly?

Dear Sir: This letter is to inform you that I will be resigning my position as of 9:00 am on Friday.

• No, it is too formal for writing to a person's boss.

• Yes, always use a colon when addressing someone formally in a letter.

• It is, but you can also use a comma.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Which sentence is written correctly?

• The sign was very explicit no dogs allowed!

• The sign was very explicit: no dogs allowed!

• The sign was very explicit; no dogs allowed!

• The sign was very explicit, no dogs allowed!

Answer explanation

A colon is the appropriate mark to reiterate the information on the sign.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

There are several places I would like to visit: Italy, France, and Canada.

Is the above sentence written correctly?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The countries names are examples of the countries the subject would like to visit.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

• On our family vacation; we visited Pearl Harbor; but my brother wanted to go to a pineapple field.

• This is what I need to accomplish today; laundry, dishes and shopping.

• I like pizza; however I can get it!

• The lobby of the hotel is on the first floor; the rooms are on floors 1-12.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A