Act English Review Semicolons

Select the best way to connect these two clauses:

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium
• she didn't get to feed the sharks

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium she didn't get to feed the sharks

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium; she didn't get to feed the sharks.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium, she didn't get to feed the sharks

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium: she didn't get to feed the sharks

Answer explanation

The second clause adds new information, so a semicolon is the best way to connect the two clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the best way to connect these two clauses:

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium
• she didn't get to feed the sharks

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium, because she didn't get to feed the sharks.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium; and she didn't get to feed the sharks.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium, and she didn't get to feed the sharks.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium: so she didn't get to feed the sharks.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses a comma and a FANBOYS to join the clauses, which is correct.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the best way to connect these two clauses:

Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium she didn't get to feed the sharks

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium; and she overslept.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium: and she overslept.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium, because she overslept.

• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium because she overslept.

Answer explanation

A second clause added with a SWABI doesn't require any punctuation.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the best way to connect these two clauses:

• Because she overslept
• Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium

• Because she overslept: Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium

• Because she overslept Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium

• Because she overslept, Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium

• Because she overslept; Lindsey missed the bus to the aquarium

Answer explanation

When the clause beginning with a SWABI comes first, it must be followed by a comma.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Select the best way to connect these two clauses using the THAMO however between them:

• Mark really likes bananas
• he is not in the mood for one now.

• Mark really likes bananas; however, he is not in the mood for one now.

• Mark really likes bananas, however, he is not in the mood for one now.

• Mark really likes bananas; however; he is not in the mood for one now.

• Mark really likes bananas however he is not in the mood for one now.

Answer explanation

When joining clauses with a THAMO, a semicolon goes before the THAMO and a comma goes after it.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the sentences that are puncuated correctly:

• Dave loved his dog. Bringing it to class; however, was a mistake.

• Dave loved his dog. Bringing it to class; however; was a mistake.

• Dave loved his dog. Bringing it to class however, was a mistake.

• Dave loved his dog. Bringing it to class, however, was a mistake.

Answer explanation

When a THAMO appears in the middle of a clause instead of between two clauses, a comma goes both before and after it.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the best way to connect these two clauses:

• This is my point
• if we buy Judy a plane, she might take us for a ride

• This is my point; if we buy Judy a plane, she might take us for a ride.

• This is my point: if we buy Judy a plane, she might take us for a ride.

• This is my point if we buy Judy a plane, she might take us for a ride.

• This is my point, if we buy Judy a plane, she might take us for a ride.

Answer explanation

If the second clause explains or summarizes the first, connect them with a colon.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Select the best way to connect these two clauses:

• Karina is a great leader
• I will vote for her for president

• Karina is a great leader; I will vote for her for president.

• Karina is a great leader, I will vote for her for president.

• Karina is a great leader I will vote for her for president.

• Karina is a great leader: I will vote for her for president.

Answer explanation

When the second clause adds a new or different idea, connect the two with a semicolon.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A