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Worksheets

Punctuation: Commas, Colons, Semicolons

Total questions: 80

Worksheet time: 2hrs 40mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

a)

Cookies are good yet milk is better for you.

b)

Cookies are good yet, milk is better for you.

c)

Cookies are good, yet, milk is better for you.

d)

Cookies are good, yet milk is better for you.

2.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

a)

He enjoys candy and cookies but he needs vegetables.

b)

He enjoys candy, and cookies, but he needs vegetables.

c)

He enjoys candy and cookies, but he needs vegetables.

d)

He enjoys candy and cookies but, he needs vegetables.

3.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

a)

Yes, I know, the comma and capitalization rules.

b)

Yes, I know the comma, and capitalization rules.

c)

Yes I know the comma and capitalization rules.

d)

Yes, I know the comma and capitalization rules.

4.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

a)

I walked to the store, and I got gum for Rex, my friend.

b)

I walked to the store and I got gum for Rex, my friend.

c)

I walked to the store, and I got gum for Rex my friend.

d)

I walked to the store and, I got gum for Rex, my friend.

5.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

a)

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are fabulous in my opinion.

b)

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, are fabulous in my opinion.

c)

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are fabulous, in my opinion.

d)

Fridays Saturdays and Sundays are fabulous, in my opinion.

6.
Which sentence is written correctly?
a)
I live in New Palestine, Indiana.
b)
I live in New Palestine Indiana.
c)
I live, in, New Palestine, Indiana.
7.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
Jake my black, and white cat, loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
b)
Jake, my black and white cat, loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
c)
Jake my black and white cat, loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
d)
Jake, my black and white cat loves to sleep on the couch next to me. 
8.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
Amanda can you please bring me the pencil sharpener, and a piece of paper?
b)
Amanda, can you please bring me the pencil sharpener and a piece of paper?
c)
Amanda, can you please bring me the pencil sharpener, and a piece of paper?
d)
Amanda can you please bring me the, pencil, sharpener and a piece of paper?
9.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
No, I can't play today because my mom told me to clean my room. 
b)
No, I can't play today, because my mom told me to clean my room.
c)
No I can't play today, because my mom told me to clean my room.
d)
No I can't play today because my mom, told me to clean my room.
10.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
Since I was absent on Tuesday, I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
b)
Since, I was absent on Tuesday I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
c)
Since I was absent, on Tuesday, I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
d)
Since I was absent on Tuesday, I have a lot, of make-up work to do. 
11.
Which has correct comma placement?
a)
Yes Billy, is good at dancing.
b)
Yes, Billy is good at dancing.
c)
Yes Billy is good at dancing.
d)
Yes Billy is good, at dancing.
12.
Which one has correct comma placement? 
a)
Jeremy's handwriting is terrible, awful, and just messy. 
b)
Jeremy's handwriting is, terrrible, awful, and just messy.
c)
Jeremy's handwriting is terrible awful and just messy. 
d)
Jeremy's handwriting is terrible, awful, and just, messy. 
13.
Which has correct comma placement?
a)
Jenny proclaimed "Today is the best day ever!"
b)
Jenny, proclaimed "Today is the best day ever!"
c)
Jenny, proclaimed, "Today is the best day ever!"
d)
Jenny proclaimed, "Today is the best day ever!"
14.
Which has the correct comma placement?
a)
Before the Patriots, deflated the football they were well liked.
b)
Before the Patriots deflated the football they were well liked.
c)
Before the Patriots deflated the football, they were well liked.
d)
Before the Patriots, deflated the football, they were well liked.
15.
True or false? This sentence is correct.
My friend Sasser, is like the mini Michael Jackson. 
a)
True
b)
False
16.
Which is correct?
a)
Mary, do you know the answer?
b)
Mary do you know the answer?
c)
Mary do you know, the answer?
d)
Mary do you, know, the answer?
17.
Which has correct comma placement?
a)
The team won the district tournament, but, they lost the state tournament.
b)
The team won the district tournament but, they lost the state tournament.
c)
The team won the district tournament, but  they lost the state tournament.
d)
The team won the district tournament but they lost the state tournament.
18.
Which sentence is written correctly?
a)
One of my favorite places is Paris France.
b)
One of my favorite places is, Paris, France.
c)
One of my favorite places is Paris, France.
d)
One of my favorite, places is Paris, France.
19.
 Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
I went to the store and bought apples, oranges and bananas. 
b)
I went to the store and bought apples, oranges, and, bananas. 
c)
I went to the store, and bought apples oranges and bananas. 
d)
I went to the store and bought apples, oranges, and bananas. 
20.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
Our apartment walls, are very thin so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
b)
Our, apartment walls, are very thin so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
c)
Our apartment walls are very thin, so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
d)
Our apartment walls are very, thin so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
21.
It was in the Tribune's June, 5 2003, edition.
a)
It was in the Tribune's June 5, 2003, edition.
b)
The sentence is punctuated correctly
c)
It was in the Tribune's June, 5, 2003, edition.
d)
It was in the Tribune's June, 5 2003, edition. 
22.
Which sentence uses the commas correctly? 
a)
Lisa, who was wearing a new dress yelled at the waiter who spilled the water on her.
b)
 Lisa who, was wearing a new dress yelled at the waiter, who spilled water on her. 
c)
Lisa, who was wearing a new dress, yelled at the waiter who spilled the water on her. 
d)
Lisa, who was wearing a new dress, yelled at the waiter, who spilled the water on her. 
23.
Which sentence is correct? 
a)
You have to drive through Flagstaff, Arizona to get to the Grand Canyon. 
b)
You have to drive through Flagstaff Arizona to get to the Grand Canyon. 
c)
You have to drive, through Flagstaff, Arizona, to get to the Grand Canyon. 
d)
You have to drive through Flagstaff, Arizona, to get to the Grand Canyon. 
24.
Which sentence demonstrates using commas to separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun? 
a)
Nala loves to play fetch, chase squirrels, and look out the window. 
b)
This sweet, creamy icing really made the cinnamon roll delicious. 
c)
A landscape painting, in my opinion, would look better in this room than a portrait. 
d)
We started back to school on January 4, 2017. 
25.
Which sentence is correct? 
a)
We spent Saturday, January 22, 2017, at home watching football. 
b)
We spent Saturday, January 22, 2017 at home watching football.
c)
We spent Saturday January 22, 2017 at home watching football.
d)
We spent Saturday January 22, 2017, at home watching football. 
26.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
As, I rode my bike down the street I saw my friend riding her scooter. 
b)
As I rode my bike down the street I saw, my friend riding her scooter. 
c)
As I rode my bike down the street, I saw my friend riding her scooter. 
d)
As I rode my bike, down the street, I saw my friend riding her scooter. 
27.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
a)
Amanda can you please bring me the pencil sharpener, and a piece of paper?
b)
Amanda, can you please bring me the pencil sharpener and a piece of paper?
c)
Amanda, can you please bring me the pencil sharpener, and a piece of paper?
d)
Amanda can you please bring me the, pencil, sharpener and a piece of paper?
28.
What is the BEST way to combine these sentences?
1) I don't like art.
2) I like my art teacher.
a)
Because I don't like art, I like my art teacher.
b)
I don't like art, but I don't like my art teacher.
c)
Although I don't like art, I like my art teacher.
d)
When I don't like art, I like my art teacher.
29.
 Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?
a)
The man was wet he was standing in the rain; without an umbrella.
b)
The man was wet he was; standing in the rain without an umbrella.
c)
 The man was wet; he was standing in the rain without an umbrella.
d)
None of the above
30.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
a)
Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish; I’m a vegetarian.
b)
Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish: I’m a vegetarian.
c)
Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, I’m a vegetarian.
31.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
a)
The centerpieces had her favorite flowers. Roses, carnations, and daisies.
b)
The centerpieces had her favorite flowers; roses, carnations, and daisies.
c)
The centerpieces had her favorite flowers: roses, carnations, and daisies.
d)
A, B, and C are all correct.
32.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
a)
They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely; they forgot sunscreen, towels, and firewood.
b)
They were missing a few things on their camping trip; namely, they forgot sunscreen, towels, and firewood.
c)
They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely: they forgot sunscreen, towels, and firewood.
33.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
a)
While visiting the beach, we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
b)
While visiting the beach, we saw: pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
c)
While visiting the beach: we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
34.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
a)
On our last trip we stayed in: Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
b)
On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
c)
On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Orlando, Florida.
35.
Change this sentence to correctly use a semicolon:
Thomas excelled in playing the tuba, yet he rarely needed to practice.
a)
Thomas excelled in playing the tuba; he rarely needed to practice.
b)
Thomas excelled in playing the tuba; yet he rarely needed to practice.
c)
Thomas; excelled in playing the tuba, yet he rarely needed to practice.
36.
Select the sentence or statement the has the correct punctuation.
a)
The movie only costs $2.25; you gave him $2.50.
b)
The movie only costs $2.25, you gave him $2.50.
c)
The movie only costs $2.25 you gave him $2.50.
37.

Choose the correct answer:

a)

The first consequence is a warning; after that it is a lunch detention.

b)

The first consequence is a warning; after that, it is a lunch detention.

c)

The first consequence is a warning; and after that it is a lunch detention.

38.

Which question uses punctuation correctly?

a)

The sailors on the ship were from Malvern, PA; Trenton, NJ; Baltimore, MD, and St Louis, MO.

b)

The sailors on the ship were from Malvern, PA; Trenton, NJ; Baltimore, MD; and St. Louis, MO.

c)

The sailors on the ship were from Malvern, PA, Trenton, NJ, Baltimore, MD, and St Louis, MO.

d)

The sailors on the ship were from Malvern PA, Trenton NJ, Baltimore MD, and St. Louis MO.

39.
Choose the correct sentence. 
a)
I want you to understand one thing I love eating pizza.
b)
I want you to understand: one thing I love eating pizza.
c)
I want you to understand one thing: I love eating pizza.
40.

Which sentence is correct?

a)

He doesn't like living near the beach; The salty air is making his car rust.

b)

He doesn't like living near the beach; the salty air is making his car rust.

c)

He doesn't like living near the beach; because the salty air is making his car rust.

41.

Which sentence is correct?

a)

It was a very hot day; I had to use a fan to keep cool.

b)

It was a very hot day, I had to use a fan to keep cool.

c)

It was a very hot day; using a fan to keep cool.

d)

It was a very hot day; so I had to use a fan to keep cool.

42.

Which sentence is written correctly?

a)

We currently have two members in our club; Linda and Fiona.

b)

We currently have two members in our club, Linda and Fiona.

c)

We currently have two members in our club Linda and Fiona.

d)

We currently have two members in our club: Linda and Fiona.

43.

Which sentence is written correctly?

a)

Here are the three books that I have read; Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

b)

Here are the three books that I have read: Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

c)

Here are the three books that I have read, Goldie Locks, and 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

d)

Here are the three books that I have read Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears, Houdini, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

44.

Which sentence is written correctly?

a)

The following items are needed for school: paper, pencils, White-Out, and index cards.

b)

The following items are needed for school: paper pencils White-Out, and index cards.

c)

The following items are needed for school paper, pencils White-Out, and index cards.

d)

The following items are needed for school, paper pencils, White-Out, and index cards.

45.
Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
a)
At the library, you can read: or use the computer.
b)
At the library, you can do many things: read, or use the computers.
c)
At the library, you can do many things such as: read or use the computers.
d)
At the library, you can do many things: read or use the computers.
46.
Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
a)
The choice was clear concerning what I wanted to do:  go to college.
b)
The choice was clear concerning what I wanted to do, for example:  go to college.
c)
The choice was clear:  I wanted to go to college.
d)
The choice was clear: for example, that I wanted to go to college.
47.

Combine the following sentences into a sentence that uses a colon.

Troy always talked about the same things over and over again. He always talked about baseball and football.

a)

Troy always talked about the same things over and over again: baseball and football.

b)

Troy: always talked about the same things, baseball and football.

c)

Troy always talked about the same things over and over again, things like: baseball and football.

d)

Football and baseball: Troy always talked about those two things over and over again.

48.
Which of these is a complex sentence that has the correct punctuation?
a)
 Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts until she heard, a noise in the attic.
b)
Until she heard a noise in the attic Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts.
c)
Until she heard a noise in the attic, Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts.
d)
Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts until, she heard a noise in the attic.
49.
Read the sentence, and choose the independent clause:
Niko won’t go to the dentist unless his dad goes with him.
a)
Niko won’t go to the dentist
b)
Unless his dad
c)
Unless his dad goes with him
d)
To the dentist
50.
Which of the following is a complex sentence?
a)
It’s good to reduce, reuse and recycle.
b)
Pollution is bad for the environment.
c)
Even though it takes more time, we should recycle
d)
I would never throw trash on the ground.
51.
Which of the following is a dependent clause?
a)
Because she was too young,
b)
Jesse climbed a mountain.
c)
The dog ran into the forest.
d)
I can speak Spanish.
52.

He studied hard ________ he passed the exam.

a)

; then ,

b)

However ,

c)

; therefore ,

d)

Also ,

53.

I know how to drive ________ I took the course.

a)

, yet

b)

because

c)

, if

d)

; but ,

54.

You want to open a restaurant ________ you dont have enough money.

a)

; however ,

b)

. Then ,

c)

; so ,

d)

because

55.
Which of the following is a correctly punctuated complex sentence?
a)
After, I got home from school, I walked the dog, put away laundry, and finished my homework.
b)
After I got home from school, I walked the dog, put away laundry, and finished my homework.
c)
After I got home from school I walked the dog, put away laundry, and finished my homework.
56.
Which of the following is a correctly punctuated sentence?
a)
As, for Jeff Eaton, he was alive when emergency workers arrived at the MegaRamp, but his injuries were grave. 
b)
As for Jeff Eaton, he was alive when emergency workers arrived at the MegaRamp but his injuries were grave. 
c)
As for Jeff Eaton, he was alive when emergency workers arrived at the MegaRamp, but his injuries were grave. 
57.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
The trail ahead was steep but that wasn't why I was dragging my feet.
b)
The trail ahead was steep but, that wasn't why I was dragging my feet.
c)
The trail ahead was steep, but that wasn't why I was dragging my feet.
58.
Which sentence below is correctly punctuated?
a)
My sister, the tall one, is about to enter high school.
b)
My sister the tall one is about to enter high school.
c)
My sister, the tall one is about to enter high school.
d)
My sister the tall one, is about to enter high school.
59.

What is the independent clause in the following sentence?


After I came home from school, I did my homework.

a)

After I came home.

b)

After I came home from school.

c)

I did.

d)

I did my homework.

60.

What is the independent clause in the following sentence?


Whenever we eat at this restaurant, we eat the dinner special.

a)

Whenever we eat.

b)

At this restaurant.

c)

We eat the dinner special.

d)

At this restaurant, we eat the dinner special.

61.

What is the independent clause in the following sentence?


Jackson will be able to maintain a good grade if he continues to study and turn in his work on time.

a)

Jackson will be able to maintain.

b)

Jackson will be able to maintain a good grade.

c)

If he continues to study.

d)

If he continues to study and turn in his work on time.

62.

What is the dependent clause in the following sentence?


We visited the zoo before it closed for the winter.

a)

We visited

b)

We visited the zoo

c)

before it closed for the winter

d)

for the winter

63.

Which sentence is correct?

a)

Summer, on the other hand, is a season with warm temperatures, sunny days, and night skies that are reluctant to grow dark.

b)

Summer, on the other hand is a season with warm temperatures, sunny days and night skies that is reluctant to grow dark.

c)

summer, on the other hand, is a season with warm temperatures, sunny days, and night skies that are reluctant to grow dark

d)

Summer on the other hand is a season with warm temperatures sunny days and night skies that are reluctant to grow dark

64.

Which sentence is correct?

a)

That day which is usually December 21st marks the beginning of summer solstice in the southern hemisphere.

b)

That day, which is usually December 21st, marks the beginning of summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

c)

that day, which is usually December 21st, marks the beginning of summer solstice in the southern hemisphere

d)

that day which is usually December 21st marks the begining of summer solstice in the southern Hemisphere.

65.

Which sentence is correctly punctuated?

a)

The orange juice, which was freshly squeezed, was served, in a mason jar.

b)

The orange, juice which was freshly squeezed, was served in a mason jar.

c)

The orange juice, which was freshly squeezed, was served in a mason jar.

d)

The orange juice which was freshly squeezed, was served in a mason jar.

66.
What is the correct way to punctuate this sentence?
My oldest sister who lives in New York is interested in working on Wall Street.
a)
My oldest sister, who lives in New York is interested, in working on Wall Street.
b)
My oldest sister, who lives in New York, is interested in working on Wall Street.
c)
My oldest sister who lives, in New York, is interested in working on Wall Street.
d)
Myoldest sister who lives in New York is interested in working on Wall Street.
67.

John was astonished when he saw his former girlfriend Jill at the dance.

a)

John was astonished, when he saw his former girlfriend Jill at the dance.

b)

John was astonished, when he saw his former girlfriend, Jill at the dance.

c)

John was astonished when he saw his former girlfriend, Jill, at the dance.

68.

One of my dogs Peppy has been sick for a long time.

a)

One of my dogs, Peppy, has been sick for a long time.

b)

One of my dogs, Peppy has been sick, for a long time.

c)

One of my dogs, Peppy has been sick for a long time.

69.

There goes Miguel a great athlete who serves on the Committee for Student Concerns.

a)

There goes Miguel a great athlete, who serves on the Committee for Student Concerns.

b)

There goes Miguel, a great athlete, who serves on the Committee for Student Concerns.

c)

There goes Miguel, a great athlete who serves, on the Committee for Student Concerns.

70.

After the two soccer players lost their game they joined their other teammates for lunch and they went to the movies

a)

After the two soccer players lost their game they joined their other teammates for lunch, and they went to the movies

b)

After the two soccer players lost their game they joined their other teammates for lunch and they went to the movies

c)

After the two soccer players lost their game; they joined their other teammates for lunch, and they went to the movies

d)

After the two soccer players lost their game, they joined their other teammates for lunch, and they went to the movies

71.

I like video games but my sister on the other hand does not.

a)

I like video games, but my sister on the other hand does not.

b)

I like video games but my sister, on the other hand, does not.

c)

I like video games, but my sister; on the other, hand does not.

d)

I like video games, but my sister, on the other hand, does not.

72.

I’m sorry I did not understand what you said.

a)

I’m sorry, I did not understand what you said.

b)

I’m sorry I did not understand what you said.

c)

I’m sorry; I did not understand what you said.

d)

I’m sorry: I did not understand what you said.

73.

I’m sorry I didn’t pick you up on time.

a)

I’m sorry I didn’t pick you up on time.

b)

I’m sorry, I didn’t pick you up on time.

c)

I’m sorry: I didn’t pick you up on time.

d)

I’m sorry; I didn’t pick you up on time.

74.

The crowd cheered “Happy Birthday” as the party started.

a)

The crowd cheered, “Happy Birthday” as the party started.

b)

The crowd cheered “Happy Birthday” as the party started.

c)

The crowd cheered “Happy Birthday”, as the party started.

d)

The crowd cheered, “Happy Birthday”, as the party started.

75.

The brown fluffy large dog ran across the street.

a)

The brown fluffy, large dog ran across the street.

b)

The brown fluffy large dog ran across the street.

c)

The brown, fluffy, large dog ran across the street.

d)

The brown, fluffy, large, dog ran across the street.

76.

There are two choices at this time run away or fight.

a)

There are two choices at this time, run away or fight.

b)

There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.

c)

There are two choices at this time; run away or fight.

d)

There are two choices at this time run away, or fight.

77.

This house has everything I need two bedrooms a backyard and a garage.

a)

This house has everything I need, two bedrooms, a backyard, and a garage.

b)

This house has everything I need: two bedrooms a backyard and a garage.

c)

This house has everything I need; two bedrooms, a backyard, and a garage.

d)

This house has everything I need: two bedrooms, a backyard, and a garage.

78.

Mrs. Morris preaches this concept "Second place is first loser."

a)

Mrs. Morris preaches this concept; "Second place is first loser."

b)

Mrs. Morris preaches this concept: "Second place is first loser."

c)

Mrs. Morris preaches this concept, "Second place is first loser."

d)

Mrs. Morris preaches this concept "Second place is first loser."

79.

Kat loves to go trick-or-treating even though her mom thinks she’s too old.

a)

Kat loves to go trick-or-treating even though her mom thinks she’s too old.

b)

Kat loves to go trick-or-treating even though, her mom thinks she’s too old.

c)

Kat loves to go trick-or-treating, even though her mom thinks she’s too old.

d)

Kat loves to go trick-or-treating, even though, her mom thinks she’s too old.

80.

I have to run to the store get my hair cut and pick up the kids from daycare.

a)

I have to run to the store, get my hair cut and pick up the kids from daycare.

b)

I have to run to the store get my hair cut and pick up the kids from daycare.

c)

I have to run to the store: get my hair cut, and pick up the kids from daycare.

d)

I have to run to the store, get my hair cut, and pick up the kids from daycare.