Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. So, its better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay. Colons act as signposts to alert readers to important information. Add commas where necessary in the following sentences or phrases. Semicolons the semicolon has three primary functions. X standards addressed in lesson convey ideas in writing benchmarks addressed in. How to use colons and semicolons in english english writing lesson duration. Welcome to esl printables, the website where english language teachers exchange resources. Semicolons and colons university of texas at dallas. Two common uses for semicolons 1 a semicolon is much like a period. Each of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon. Semicolons are most often used to connect two independent clauses full. Identify which punctuation mark should be used in the sentences.
Exercising helps to keep you healthy and fit proper nutrition is also important. Do not use a colon if the list or explanation is connected to the sentence without a complete stop. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. Remember, a semicolon connects complete ideas or items in a list that have internal commas. Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug. The section on semicolons and colons contains rules for using these punctuation marks, examples, and also ten practice exercises. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn. Insert semicolons as needed in the following sentences. When to use the semicolon english practice learn and. The semicolon is one of the least common punctuation marks, but it is a useful one. Written with year 56 children in mind but can be easily used in.
Check the spelling of all names in the heartland directory. In the following sentences, replace commas with semicolons as needed for correctness. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. They are used to separate two clauses that are grammatically independent but have related meanings. In the following fivepart exercise select true or false to indicate whether the sentence uses the appropriate comma or semicolon. Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the. There are a number of rules to keep in mind if you plan on putting a semicolon in a sentence. A semicolon belongs in each of the following sentences. Eating healthy helps you lose weight staying fit keeps you healthy. Semicolons, colons, and dashes are confusing for many writers, but theyre really easy to.
In this exercise you will have to decide which pairs of clauses can be connected with a semicolon. Semicolons and colons indicate sophisticated writing. Punctuation is an essential part of writing in english and can change the whole point of the writing if didnt use at the right place. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses in one sentence. Thomas jefferson died on july 4 1826 in monticello virginia. Semicolon worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. A rule for using colons is to add one between a complete sentence and a list of items in the absence of introductory words. Semicolons, colons, and dashes sonoma state university. Improve your language arts knowledge with free questions in use semicolons, colons, and commas with lists and thousands of other language arts skills. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Remember that using too many semicolons and colons can make a paper look cluttered, particularly a shorter paper. Select the pair of words between which the colon should be placed. Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the appropriate and necessary conditions for using punctuation.
Check your answers and read the explanations below. It is a break in thought, but not a complete stop more like an elongated pause. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. Use a semicolon to link closely related independent clauses because of the high temperatures in the mediterranean region, evaporation of the mediterranean sea occurs more rapidly than in other bodies of water. This worksheet covers some of the most common uses of colons and semicolons. Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses and avoid runon sentences. The oranges were sour, however, the plums were sweet. The following paragraph has been adapted from the body in question by author, physician, and television presenter jonathan miller. Colons and semicolons are two valuable pieces of punctuation that separate sentence elements from each other.
Everyone would like to wear them, but not many people can. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following. A brief quizsemicolons add semicolons or periods where needed. Part vi write an x on the line next to the sentence using the colon properly. The university of north carolinas guide to using semicolons, colons, and dashes. One of the least understood but quietly significant distinctions of grammar is between a semicolon and a colon. Fortunately, semicolons and colons are much easier to pull off than top hats and. This handout shows how to use them in ways that most academic readers expect.
Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. Semicolons are used to separate main clauses that are closely related in content or theme. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to select. Ixl use semicolons, colons, and commas with lists 8th. Insert any semicolons or commas needed in the following sentences. Quia commas, semicolons and colons millionaire game.
Colons and semicolons the colon follows an independent clause a complete statement and introduces one of three things. Commas and colons and semicolons quiz sponsored by the center for teaching and learning at uis last edited 6302008 page 2 of 2 we finished our theme park tour at 115 pm. The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. Comma rules videos, comma rules exercises, semicolons, semicolon information, semicolon videos, semicolon exercises, colons, colon information, colon videos, colon exercises, conjunctions, grammar mugs resources college of arts and sciences.
Place semicolons between items in lists if some items the list include commas. If you use semicolons in your writing, use them sparingly and apply the rules correctly. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses not connected by a. In this example, the introductory words are such as, precluding the need for a colon. Take two simple sentences and combine them using a semicolon. A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Grammarquizzes more writing aids punctuation semicolons. A colon may be used to introduce a list or an important point. Throughout the paragraph, youll find a number of empty paired brackets. These then move on to checking childrens understanding through questions before the ha activity gets children to write their own sentences with semi colons. Three differentiated worksheets that focus on being able to use semi colons, particularly between two independent clauses. It is important for students to know that the semicolon does not function in the same way as the comma. Add semicolons where necessary in the following sentences.
In this case, the semicolon is used to separate sentences that need a stronger. I believe there are 3 things to achieving good grades. All the commas and semicolons have been omitted from the following passage. This lesson includes a practice activity after the.
I like going fishing i dont like putting worms on hooks. Using commas and semicolons police objectives students will use commas and semicolons in sentences. Replace each set of brackets with an appropriate mark of punctuation. Semicolon exercises wilmu student writing resources. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Time frame to complete 30 minutes nrs efl 4 e on gy ue ls s els athw e c t.
This quiz will have you recall a number of factors regarding semicolons. Finish and punctuate the incomplete sentences so that they match the models written above them. A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses. Semicolons have a number of functions in a sentence. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. Maria felt she must take part in working for equality. Often they will use both marks interchangeably or inappropriately use another punctuation mark, like a period or comma. Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian. A collection of downloadable worksheets, exercises and activities to teach colon and semicolon, shared by english language teachers. Correct semicolon and colon errors in the following exercises. Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons. Understanding the functions of the semicolon and colon will help you use them effectively.
To connect independent clauses and avoid runon sentences b. It is also used before introductory words like that is, namely, for example, etc. Semicolons a semicolon is not quite a comma, not quite a period. Semicolons are sometimes used instead of full stops. The tucker family will serve as grand marshals for the 20 peach blossom parade, the parade rolls down market avenue may 4 at 10 a.
Semicolon usage practice questions study guide zone. Then select the word that comes just before the semicolon. Do this by clicking on the red button next to your choice. John, who had won the long jump, paul, who had won the discus, anne, who had won the dash. Carla often participated in school plays, but she always ended up playing minor roles. Check your understanding of colons, semicolons, and periods with an interactive quiz and printable worksheet. Use them sparingly in order to add variety to the methods utilized to connect sentences. Colons and semicolons are punctuation marks that confound many people.
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