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WorksheetsGrammar: Commas, colons, semicolons, & punctuation
Total questions: 80
Worksheet time: 2hrs 36mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.
b)
You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.
c)
You asked for: forgiveness. He granted it to you.
d)
You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.
2.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
We ask; therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
b)
We ask, therefore; that you keep this matter confidential.
c)
We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
d)
We ask: therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
3.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.
b)
The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore. I expected the shipment to arrive by now.
c)
The order was requested: six weeks ago, therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.
d)
The order was requested six weeks ago: therefore, I expected the shipment, to arrive by now.
4.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
The American flag has three colors; red, white, and blue.
b)
The American flag has three colors: Red, white, and blue.
c)
The American flag has: three colors. Red, white, and blue.
d)
The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.
5.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
She said she loved the book; so, I gave it to her.
b)
She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
c)
She said: she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
d)
She said she loved the book: so I gave it to her.
6.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.
b)
The orchestra, excluding the violin section; was not up to par.
c)
The orchestra; excluding the violin section, was not up to par.
d)
The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was: not up to par.
7.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
b)
I have been to San Francisco California; Reno Nevada; and Seattle Washington.
c)
I have been to San Francisco California, Reno Nevada, and Seattle Washington.
d)
I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.
8.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
The reporter interviewed the following people: the department heads, the members of the faculty council, and a representative group of students.
b)
The reporter interviewed the following people; the department heads, the members of the faculty council, and a representative group of students.
c)
The reporter interviewed the following people. The department heads, the members of the faculty council, and a representative group of students.
d)
The reporter interviewed the following people, the department heads, the members of the faculty council, and a representative group of students.
9.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
a)
This is what Plato had to say about mathematicians. "I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning."
b)
This is what Plato had to say about mathematicians "I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning."
c)
This is what Plato had to say about mathematicians: "I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning."
d)
This is what Plato had to say about mathematicians; "I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning."
10.
Select the correctly punctuated salutation.
a)
Dear Senator Harkin
b)
Dear Senator Harkin;
c)
Dear Senator Harkin,
d)
Dear Senator Harkin:
11.
There are two kinds of fruit on the table ___ oranges and apples.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
12.
Zack came to class breathless and tired ___ he had just come from baseball practice.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
13.
The book was written by ___ Peter Jay Montreville.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
14.
The tables at the party had wonderful decorations ___ flowers, ribbons, balloons, and crystal birds.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
15.
The play was excellent! All of the actors were lively ___ and the set was beautifully decorated.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
16.
I do my homework every night ___ because that's how you get a good grade.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
17.
The artist preferred to paint in oils ___ he did not like water colors.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
18.
Even when the house looks clean ___ there is usually dirt swept under the rugs.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
19.
I know the perfect job for her ___ a politician.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
20.
Computers do many calculations at once ___ however, they cannot think.
a)
b)
c)
d)
no punctuation needed
21.
Is this sentence punctuated correctly?
"I was thinking, Mandy, we have not had pie for a while."
"I was thinking, Mandy, we have not had pie for a while."
a)
Yes
b)
No
22.
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.
23.
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.
24.
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?
25.
After leaving the Capitol _______ Senator Dubitsky returned to her office to work on a speech, answer some letters, and meet with her staff.
a)
comma
b)
semicolon
c)
no punctuation
26.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
Reading from 8:30 in the morning until 9:00 that night, Sam finished S.E. Hinton's book yesterday.
Reading from 8:30 in the morning until 9:00 that night, Sam finished S.E. Hinton's book yesterday.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
27.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
These one-time authors fade away; many are later forgotten.
These one-time authors fade away; many are later forgotten.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
28.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
Writers need: imagination, a good story to tell, and a lively writing style.
Writers need: imagination, a good story to tell, and a lively writing style.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
29.
Is the following punctuation or incorrect?
Teens have published best selling books, however, some never publish anything again.
Teens have published best selling books, however, some never publish anything again.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
30.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
The volunteers are: Tina, Tom, and Zoe.
The volunteers are: Tina, Tom, and Zoe.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
31.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
The school will sell homemade baked goods: muffins, rolls, cakes, and cookies.
The school will sell homemade baked goods: muffins, rolls, cakes, and cookies.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
32.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
Lisa has some free time now; therefore, she will coordinate the bake sale.
Lisa has some free time now; therefore, she will coordinate the bake sale.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
33.
Juanita usually prefers to work out in the morning ___________ today she intends to go to the gym after her last appointment.
a)
comma
b)
semicolon
c)
no punctuation
34.
Is this sentence correct?
The school day had ended; but I still had to go to practice.
The school day had ended; but I still had to go to practice.
a)
yes
b)
no
35.
After which WORDS should a semi-colon be inserted added?
This summer I am going to visit Memphis, Tennessee Little Rock, Arkansas and St. Louis, Missouri.
a)
visit and Memphis
b)
Tennessee and Arkansas
c)
Arkansas and St. Louis
d)
Little Rock and Arkansas
36.
Which punctuation mark is needed in the following sentence?The forecast called for a great deal of rain consequently, the party was postponed.
a)
;
b)
:
c)
neither of these
37.
Which punctuation mark is needed in the following sentence?The children asked for four supplies glitter, glue, markers, and poster board.
a)
;
b)
:
c)
neither of these
38.
Which punctuation mark is needed in the following sentence?Football is my son's favorite sport, but my daughter prefers volleyball.
a)
;
b)
:
c)
neither of these
39.
I gave you the spray bottles for one reason to clean the windows.
a)
reason; to
b)
reason: to
c)
reason, to
d)
As it is
40.
My father ended every conversation the same way “Don’t give up.”
a)
way;
b)
way:
c)
way,
d)
As it is
41.
Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect?
Her purse held many items including: chapstick, money, a cell phone, cough drops, chopsticks, and some pens.
Her purse held many items including: chapstick, money, a cell phone, cough drops, chopsticks, and some pens.
a)
correct
b)
incorrect
42.
Which sentence uses semi colons correctly?
a)
The Europe trip will include visits to London, England, Rome, Italy; Paris, France, Munich, Germany, and Warsaw, Poland.
b)
The Europe trip will include visits to London; England, Rome; Italy, Paris; France, Munich; Germany, and Warsaw; Poland.
c)
The Europe trip will include visits to London, England; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; Munich, Germany; and Warsaw, Poland.
43.
Which of the following is NOT considered a rule that we learned about semicolons?
a)
Use a semicolon between items in lists if some items in the list include commas.
b)
Use a semicolon to link complete clauses with a conjunctive abverb or transition word (however, consequently, etc.)
c)
Use a semicolon to separate an independent clause from a quotation.
d)
Use a semicolon to link closely related independent clauses.
44.
Which of the following is NOT considered a rule that we learned about colons?
a)
Use a colon after an independent clause joined with another independent clause by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOY).
b)
Use a colon to separate a title and a subtitle.
c)
Use a colon before an explanation that has a complete sentence before it.
d)
Use a colon prior to a list.
45.
How many colons are missing from the following passage?
Dear Ms. Jones
Please meet me in my office at 730 A.M. next Monday. We will review several books, including Leon Edel’s Henry James, Volume I 126-132. Note This is a very important meeting.
Dear Ms. Jones
Please meet me in my office at 730 A.M. next Monday. We will review several books, including Leon Edel’s Henry James, Volume I 126-132. Note This is a very important meeting.
a)
2
b)
3
c)
4
d)
5
46.
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.
47.
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.
48.
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.
49.
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.
50.
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.
51.
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.
52.
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.
53.
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?
54.
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.
55.
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.
56.
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.
57.
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.
58.
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!"
59.
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.
60.
True or false? This sentence is correct.
My friend Sasser, is like the mini Michael Jackson.
My friend Sasser, is like the mini Michael Jackson.
a)
True
b)
False
61.
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?
62.
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.
63.
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.
64.
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.
65.
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.
66.
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.
67.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
The Clarks grow peas beans and squash in their garden.
b)
The Clarks grow peas, beans, and squash in their garden.
c)
The Clarks grow peas beans, and squash in their garden.
d)
The Clarks grow peas, beans; and squash in their garden.
68.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
During a full moon Matt turns into a werewolf.
b)
During a full moon; Matt turns into a werewolf.
c)
During a full moon, Matt turns into a werewolf.
d)
During a full moon - Matt turns into a werewolf.
69.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
The cat enjoys lying in the sun, and playing with its catnip toy.
b)
The cat enjoys lying in the sun and playing with its catnip toy.
c)
The cat, enjoys lying in the sun and playing with its catnip toy.
d)
The cat enjoys lying in the sun and playing, with its catnip toy.
70.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
John, Alex, and Maddie were invited to Emily’s party, Derek was not.
b)
John, Alex, and Maddie were invited to Emilys party; Derek was not.
c)
John, Alex, and Maddie were invited to Emily’s party Derek was not.
d)
John, Alex, and Maddie were invited to Emily’s party; Derek was not.
71.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
If you don’t show up to work on time, you will be fired.
b)
If you don’t show up to work on time you will be fired.
c)
If you don’t show up, to work on time you will be fired.
d)
If you don’t show up, to work on time, you will be fired.
72.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
I like many sports, especially pickle ball shuffleboard and kickball.
b)
I like many sports especially pickle ball, shuffleboard, and kickball.
c)
I like many sports, especially pickle ball, shuffleboard, and kickball.
d)
I like many sports especially pickle ball shuffleboard and kickball.
73.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
David is interested in knitting consequently he signed up for a class at the Senior Center.
b)
David is interested in knitting; consequently he signed up for a class at the Senior Center.
c)
David is interested in knitting, consequently, he signed up for a class at the Senior Center.
d)
David is interested in knitting; consequently, he signed up for a class at the Senior Center.
74.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated?
a)
Kristas insect collection includes ants, scorpions, and tarantulas.
b)
Krista’s insect collection includes ants scorpions and tarantulas.
c)
Kristas insect collection includes ants scorpions and tarantulas.
d)
Krista’s insect collection includes ants, scorpions, and tarantulas.
75.
Choose the correct sentence.
a)
I really like tacos; because I have been eating them since I was little.
b)
I really like tacos because I have been eating them since I was little.
76.
Choose the correct sentence or sentences.
a)
Please buy me: an ice cream cone.
b)
Please buy me an ice cream cone.
77.
Choose the correct sentence or sentences.
a)
We sell the the parts of cars, motorcycles, and boats.
b)
The sell the parts of: cars, motorcycles, and boats.
78.
Choose the correct sentence or sentences.
a)
Frank loves: hamburgers, fries, and shakes.
b)
Frank loves hamburgers, fries, and shakes.
79.
Choose the correct sentence or sentences.
a)
My name is Tom I don't really like my name.
b)
My name is Tom; I don't really like my name.
c)
My name is: Tom I don't really like m name.
80.
Choose the correct sentence.
a)
My brother likes: vampires, ghosts, and goblins.
b)
My brother likes vampires, ghosts, and goblins.
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