Grammar Usage Quiz

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a semicolon?

• I love to read; especially mystery novels.

• The concert was amazing; the crowd cheered for an encore.

• We visited three cities; Paris, London, and Rome.

• She's a talented artist; and a skilled musician.

Choose the sentence with correct comma usage:

• After the long, tiring day we went home to rest.

• After the long tiring day, we went home to rest.

• After the long, tiring day, we went home to rest.

• After the long, tiring, day we went home to rest.

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• The grocery list includes: milk, bread, and eggs.

• Please bring the following items to class: notebooks, pens, and textbooks.

• She had one goal in mind: to win the competition.

• Both b and c are correct.

Identify the correct use of quotation marks:

• "The early bird catches the worm, said my grandmother."

• "The early bird catches the worm," said my grandmother.

• "The early bird catches the worm", said my grandmother.

• "The early bird catches the worm" said my grandmother.

Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

• The dogs' bowls were empty.

• The dog's were barking loudly.

• The dogs bowl's were empty.

• The dog's ate their food quickly.

Choose the sentence with correct use of parentheses:

• The museum (which was founded in 1950 has an impressive collection.

• The museum (which was founded in 1950) has an impressive collection.

• The museum which was founded in 1950) has an impressive collection.

• The museum (which was founded in 1950 has an impressive collection.

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a dash?

• I need three things - milk, bread, and eggs.

• The concert - which lasted for hours - was spectacular.

• She is a multi-talented person - she sings, dances, and acts.

• Both b and c are correct.

Identify the sentence with correct use of commas in a series:

• For the picnic, we packed sandwiches, fruit and cookies.

• For the picnic, we packed sandwiches fruit, and cookies.

• For the picnic, we packed sandwiches, fruit, and cookies.

• For the picnic we packed sandwiches, fruit, and cookies.

Which sentence uses ellipsis points correctly?

• The speaker paused... then continued her speech.

• The speaker paused ... then continued her speech.

• The speaker paused...then continued her speech.

• The speaker paused.... then continued her speech.

Choose the sentence with correct punctuation for a non-restrictive element:

• My brother who lives in New York is visiting next week.

• My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting next week.

• My brother who lives in New York, is visiting next week.

• My brother, who lives in New York is visiting next week.