ACT English Practice (Punctuation Focus + Concise)

Front

What is the correct punctuation for introductory phrases?

Back

Introductory phrases should be followed by a comma. Example: 'In five minutes, the building will be closed.'

Front

How do you correctly punctuate a list in a sentence?

Back

Use a colon before the list if the sentence introduces it. Example: 'Several countries participated in the airlift: Italy, Belgium, France, and Luxembourg.'

Front

What is the rule for using apostrophes in possessive nouns?

Back

Use an apostrophe followed by 's' for singular possessive nouns. Example: 'His mom's shoes are expensive.'

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses. Example: 'The garden contained vegetables; they will harvest them in fall.'

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence with a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before the conjunction. Example: 'Lacrosse is an old sport, yet it has only recently become popular.'

Front

What is the difference between a comma and a semicolon?

Back

A comma separates elements within a sentence, while a semicolon connects closely related independent clauses.

Front

What is the purpose of a colon in a sentence?

Back

A colon introduces a list, explanation, or quotation. Example: 'She had three favorite colors: blue, green, and red.'

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a parenthetical element?

Back

Use commas to set off parenthetical elements. Example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a series, including before the conjunction. Example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Front

When is it appropriate to use dashes in a sentence?

Back

Dashes can be used to create emphasis or indicate a break in thought. Example: 'He was going to—if he could find the time—attend the meeting.'