Mastering Semicolons and Colons

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon to link two independent clauses?

• 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: I can't go out tonight.

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

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Drag and drop the correct punctuation in the following sentence: For the picnic, we need the following​ (a)   ​ sandwiches, fruit, and drinks.

• :
• ;
• -
• /
• ,

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

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

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

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

• She was tired however; she finished her homework.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a quotation?

• The teacher said: "Please submit your assignments by Friday."

• The teacher said "Please submit your assignments by Friday."

• The teacher said, "Please submit your assignments by Friday."

• The teacher: said "Please submit your assignments by Friday."

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Select the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses.

(a)  

• The sun is high, put on some sunscreen.

• The sun is high; put on some sunscreen.
• The sun is high: put on some sunscreen.

• The sun is high and put on some sunscreen.

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

• The project was due today; therefore, I stayed up late to finish it.

• The project was due today, therefore; I stayed up late to finish it.

• The project was due today: therefore, I stayed up late to finish it.

• The project was due today therefore; I stayed up late to finish it.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a quotation?

• She whispered: "I have a secret to tell you."

• She whispered "I have a secret to tell you."

• She whispered, "I have a secret to tell you."

• She: whispered "I have a secret to tell you."

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Select the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses.

• The weather is perfect, let's go for a hike.

• The weather is perfect; let's go for a hike.

• The weather is perfect: let's go for a hike.

• The weather is perfect and let's go for a hike.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

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

• The ingredients are: flour, sugar, and eggs.

• The ingredients are flour, sugar, and eggs.

• The ingredients are the following: flour, sugar, and eggs.

• The ingredients: are flour, sugar, and eggs.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Setting goals can help you achieve your dreams; however, they must be realistic and specific. For example, a vague goal like "becoming successful" can feel overwhelming and unattainable: a better goal might be "earning a promotion within two years." Clear, actionable goals provide direction and motivation; they turn aspirations into achievable milestones.

Which of the following best explains the difference between how the semicolon and the colon are used in the passage?

• The semicolon separates two closely related independent clauses, while the colon introduces a specific example or explanation.

• he semicolon introduces a list of ideas, while the colon separates unrelated sentences.

• The semicolon emphasizes contrast between two ideas, while the colon is used to indicate a dramatic pause.

• The semicolon and colon are used interchangeably to connect ideas in the passage.