Semicolons and Colons

Which sentence uses a colon correctly to introduce a list?

• For my art project, I need: paint, brushes, and a canvas.

• My favorite hobbies are: reading, hiking, and playing guitar.

• Please bring three things to the party: snacks, drinks, and games.

• The recipe calls for ingredients like: flour, sugar, and eggs.

Answer explanation

A colon is used correctly after a complete sentence (an independent clause) to introduce a list. The other options incorrectly place a colon after a verb or preposition, which is not a complete sentence.

Complete the sentence: The storm was getting worse ___ we decided to head home.

• ,

• ;

• :

• .

Answer explanation

A semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses (complete sentences). A comma alone would create a comma splice, and a colon isn't appropriate here as the second clause doesn't explain the first.

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

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

• The movie starts in ten minutes; we should hurry.

• Because the road was closed; we had to take a detour.

• My dog loves to play fetch; and go for long walks.

Answer explanation

This sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses. The other options incorrectly use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction ('so,' 'and') or before a dependent clause ('Because...').

Complete the sentence: The book was long and complicated; ______, I still enjoyed reading it.

• and

• but

• however,

• so

Answer explanation

A semicolon is often followed by a conjunctive adverb (like 'however') and a comma to connect two independent clauses. The other options are coordinating conjunctions, which would not typically follow a semicolon in this way.

Complete the sentence: The team captain had a simple message for his players ___ 'Play hard and have fun.'

• ,

• ;

• :

• ...

Answer explanation

A colon is used to introduce a quotation, especially after an independent clause like 'The team captain had a simple message for his players.' A comma could also be used, but a colon provides a more formal introduction.

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce an explanation?

• I was late for one reason; the bus broke down.

• There's only one thing I want for my birthday: a new bike.

• He didn't like the movie: because it was too scary.

• We need to leave now: or we will miss our flight.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses a colon correctly because 'a new bike' directly explains 'one thing I want for my birthday,' and it follows a complete sentence. The other options use the colon incorrectly.

Which punctuation mark should be used to fix the run-on sentence? 'Ava is an amazing singer ___ she is also a talented dancer.'

• ,

• ;

• -

• ...

Answer explanation

This is a run-on sentence made of two independent clauses. A semicolon is the correct punctuation to join them and show their close relationship. A comma alone is not strong enough.

Which sentence correctly uses semicolons in a list?

• Our family trip included stops in Dallas; Texas; Oklahoma City; Oklahoma; and Kansas City; Missouri.

• Our family trip included stops in Dallas, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Kansas City, Missouri.

• Our family trip included stops in: Dallas, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Kansas City, Missouri.

• Our family trip included stops in Dallas, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Answer explanation

When items in a list already contain commas (like separating a city and state), you must use semicolons to separate the main items in the list. This prevents confusion.

Which sentence correctly uses punctuation to connect the two ideas?

• My phone is broken, I can't call you.

• My phone is broken: I can't call you.

• My phone is broken; I can't call you.

• My phone is broken-I can't call you.

Answer explanation

A semicolon is the best choice here to link two closely related independent clauses. A colon could also work if the second clause is seen as a direct explanation, but the semicolon shows a more general close relationship.

In the sentence, 'He had one mission: to finish the project before the deadline,' what is the main job of the colon?

• To separate items in a complex list

• To introduce a phrase that explains or renames the first part of the sentence

• To join two sentences that are not related

• To show that a long quotation is coming next

Answer explanation

The colon is used here to introduce the specific mission, which explains the idea presented in the first clause. It clarifies what the 'one mission' is.