Colons & Semicolons

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon to link related sentences?

• I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow: I can't go out tonight.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.' because a semicolon should be used to link related independent clauses.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb.

• She was tired; however, she finished her homework.

• She was tired, however, she finished her homework.

• She was tired; she finished her homework, however.

• She was tired: however, she finished her homework.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence that uses a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb is: 'She was tired; however, she finished her homework.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?

• You need to buy: milk, eggs, and bread.

• You need to buy milk: eggs, and bread.

• You need to buy the following: milk, eggs, and bread.

• You need to buy milk, eggs: and bread.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses a colon before introducing the list, as seen in 'You need to buy the following: milk, eggs, and bread.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon without a conjunctive adverb.

• I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining outside.

• I wanted to go for a walk; but it was raining outside.

• I wanted to go for a walk, it was raining outside.

• I wanted to go for a walk: it was raining outside.

Answer explanation

The correct choice uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses without a conjunctive adverb, making it the appropriate use of punctuation in this context.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a colon to introduce a quotation?

• She said: "I will be there soon."

• She said, "I will be there soon."

• She said; I will be there soon.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses a colon before the quotation marks to introduce the quote, as seen in 'She said: "I will be there soon."'.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb to show contrast.

• He wanted to play soccer; however, it started to rain.

• He wanted to play soccer, however, it started to rain.

• He wanted to play soccer; it started to rain, however.

• He wanted to play soccer: however, it started to rain.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to link related sentences?

• The project is due tomorrow; I haven't started yet.

• The project is due tomorrow, I haven't started yet.

• The project is due tomorrow; and I haven't started yet.

• The project is due tomorrow: I haven't started yet.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses a semicolon to link related sentences, as seen in 'The project is due tomorrow; I haven't started yet.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a colon to introduce a list.

• For the picnic, we need: sandwiches, fruit, and drinks.

• For the picnic, we need sandwiches: fruit, and drinks.

• For the picnic, we need the following: sandwiches, fruit, and drinks.

• For the picnic, we need sandwiches, fruit: and drinks.

Answer explanation

The correct choice uses a colon to introduce a list, as in 'For the picnic, we need the following: sandwiches, fruit, and drinks.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb to show cause and effect?

• She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.

• She studied hard, therefore, she passed the exam.

• She studied hard; she passed the exam, therefore.

• She studied hard: therefore, she passed the exam.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'therefore' to correctly connect the cause (studying hard) with the effect (passing the exam).

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon without a conjunctive adverb.

• The sun was setting; the sky turned orange.

• The sun was setting; but the sky turned orange.

• The sun was setting, the sky turned orange.

• The sun was setting: the sky turned orange.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence using a semicolon without a conjunctive adverb is: 'The sun was setting; the sky turned orange.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall