Mastering Semi-Colons

What is the purpose of a semi-colon in a sentence?

• To introduce a quotation or dialogue.

• To indicate a pause in a sentence.

• To replace a comma in a list of items.

• To connect closely related independent clauses or separate complex list items.

Identify the correct usage of a semi-colon: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.' True or False?

• False

• I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.

• True

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'I like pizza I like pasta.'

• I like pizza: I like pasta.

• I like pizza; I like pasta.

• I like pizza and I like pasta.

• I like pizza, I like pasta.

Use a semi-colon in this list: 'apples oranges bananas.'

• apples; oranges; bananas.

• apples - oranges - bananas.

• apples: oranges: bananas.

• apples, oranges, bananas.

Explain when to use a semi-colon instead of a period.

• A semi-colon should be used only in formal writing.

• Use a semi-colon to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate complex list items.

• Use a semi-colon to replace commas in all cases.

• Use a semi-colon to end a sentence that is complete.

Choose the correct sentence: 'She loves reading; she has many books.' or 'She loves reading she has many books.'

• She loves to read; she has many books.

• She loves reading she has many books.

• She love reading; she has many books.

• She loves reading; she has many books.

Fill in the blank with a semi-colon: 'I went to the store _____ I forgot my wallet.'

• or

• but

• and

• ;

Which of the following sentences uses a semi-colon correctly? A) 'I enjoy swimming; and running.' B) 'I enjoy swimming; I also enjoy running.'

• C) 'I enjoy swimming; I enjoy running.'

• D) 'I enjoy swimming; however I enjoy running.'

• E) 'I enjoy swimming; but I also enjoy running.'

• B) 'I enjoy swimming; I also enjoy running.'

List three items using semi-colons: 'dogs cats birds.'

• birds, cats, dogs.

• dogs; cats; birds.

• dogs; birds; cats;

• cats; dogs; fish.

What is one rule for using semi-colons in a list?

• Use semi-colons to separate items in a list that are all single words.

• Always use a comma before a semi-colon in a list.

• Use semi-colons to separate items in a list that contain commas.

• Semi-colons should only be used in complex sentences, not lists.