Commas and Semicolons

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon to punctuate a compound sentence?

• I wanted to go for a walk; but it started raining.

• I wanted to go for a walk; it started raining.

• I wanted to go for a walk, it started raining.

• I wanted to go for a walk: it started raining.

Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates after an introductory element.

• After the movie we went out for ice cream.

• After the movie, we went out for ice cream.

• After the movie; we went out for ice cream.

• After the movie: we went out for ice cream.

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon in a compound sentence.

• She loves reading; and she visits the library often.

• She loves reading, and she visits the library often.

• She loves reading; she visits the library often.

• She loves reading: she visits the library often.

Which sentence correctly punctuates an introductory element?

• In the morning I like to drink coffee.

• In the morning, I like to drink coffee.

• In the morning; I like to drink coffee.

• In the morning: I like to drink coffee.

Select the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses.

• The sun set; the sky turned pink.

• The sun set, the sky turned pink.

• The sun set: the sky turned pink.

• The sun set and the sky turned pink.

Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates an introductory element.

• Before dinner we washed our hands.

• Before dinner, we washed our hands.

• Before dinner; we washed our hands.

• Before dinner: we washed our hands.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon in a compound sentence?

• I have a test tomorrow; so I need to study.

• I have a test tomorrow, so I need to study.

• I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.

• I have a test tomorrow: I need to study.

Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates a complex sentence.

• The class is outside, because they earned extra recess.

• The class is outside; because they earned extra recess.

• The class is outside. because they earned extra recess.

• Because they earned extra recess, the class is outside.

Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates a complex sentence.

• I skipped down the hall since I aced my test!

• I skipped down the hall, since I aced my test!

• Since I aced my test I skipped down the hall!

• Since I aced my test; I skipped down the hall!

Identify the sentence that correctly punctuates a complex sentence.

• When we get to the hotel we will swim.

• When we get to the hotel; we will swim.

• When we get to the hotel, we will swim.

• When we get to the hotel. we will swim.