Mastering Semicolon Usage in Grammar

What is the primary role of punctuation in grammar?

• To separate words

• To emphasize words

• To connect ideas and clauses

• To indicate pauses

Which punctuation mark is used to show a close relationship between two independent clauses?

• Period

• Colon

• Comma

• Semicolon

What is the function of a semicolon in a sentence?

• To separate items in a list

• To connect two related independent clauses

• To end a sentence

• To introduce a quote

Which of the following is a common conjunctive adverb?

• Or

• Therefore

• But

• And

How does a semicolon function when used with a conjunctive adverb?

• It connects two independent clauses and shows their relationship

• It ends a sentence

• It introduces a list

• It separates two unrelated clauses

In the sentence 'Laura needed eggs to make cookies; therefore, she ran to the store,' what role does 'therefore' play?

• It ends the sentence

• It introduces a new idea

• It separates two unrelated ideas

• It shows a cause-and-effect relationship

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb?

• Marco likes hip-hop music; however, he also likes rock music.

• Marco likes hip-hop music, however, he also likes rock music.

• Marco likes hip-hop music however; he also likes rock music.

• Marco likes hip-hop music; however he also likes rock music.

What is the correct punctuation to use before a conjunctive adverb when connecting two independent clauses?

• Comma

• Period

• Semicolon

• Colon

Which of the following is NOT a conjunctive adverb?

• However

• And

• Furthermore

• Therefore

What should you look out for on the ACT when dealing with semicolon questions?

• Prepositional phrases

• Dependent clauses

• Quotation marks

• Conjunctive adverbs