Find Out Correct Punctuation In This Quiz

1. Colons can be used to introduce a _______________ when there is a complete sentence before the colon.

Colons can be used to introduce a list when there is a complete sentence before the colon. This means that the colon is used to signal that the information following it will expand upon or provide examples for the complete sentence that precedes it.

Explanation

Colons can be used to introduce a list when there is a complete sentence before the colon. This means that the colon is used to signal that the information following it will expand upon or provide examples for the complete sentence that precedes it.

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2. Colons can be used stylistically. (Meaning you can play with the use of colons)

True

False

A writer can decide they want to place dramatic emphasis on a word, and therefore, introduce it with a colon. Or a writer can choose to use a colon between two independent clauses to show a strong relationship. If the colon is not there, the sentence is still punctuated correctly, but the author chose the colon for style.

Explanation

A writer can decide they want to place dramatic emphasis on a word, and therefore, introduce it with a colon. Or a writer can choose to use a colon between two independent clauses to show a strong relationship. If the colon is not there, the sentence is still punctuated correctly, but the author chose the colon for style.

3. Colons can be used to separate two independent clauses when it is acting as an__________________________ (2 words)

Colons can be used to separate two independent clauses when it is acting as an equals sign or equal sign, symbolized by the "=" sign.

Explanation

Colons can be used to separate two independent clauses when it is acting as an equals sign or equal sign, symbolized by the "=" sign.

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4. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

Dear Mr. Mayor : It has come to my attention that the speed limits posted on the freeway cause more harm than good.

Hey Susan : It was great hanging out with you yesterday. Thanks for being so nice.

Mom: Can you pick me up a few items?

Colons are used after greetings in business letters, but not after greetings in friendly letters. With friendly letters, you just use a comma.

Explanation

Colons are used after greetings in business letters, but not after greetings in friendly letters. With friendly letters, you just use a comma.

5. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

My cat has cute features: big eyes pink nose and small, lean body.

My cat has cute features such as: big eyes, pink nose, and small, lean body.

My cat has cute features: big eyes, pink nose, and small, lean body.

A doesn't have the serial comma for the list.

B is an incomplete sentence introducing the list, so no colon is needed.

C has the colon and commas in the right place.

Explanation

A doesn't have the serial comma for the list.

B is an incomplete sentence introducing the list, so no colon is needed.

C has the colon and commas in the right place.

6. You need a colon to introduce the list in this sentence: After adding up all the items, I realized I left the following in the car receipt, folder, and scizzors.

True

False

The statement "After adding up the items, I realized I left the following in the car" is not a complete sentence, so you do not have to have a colon.

Explanation

The statement "After adding up the items, I realized I left the following in the car" is not a complete sentence, so you do not have to have a colon.

7. You HAVE to have a colon in this sentence between job and an: I love my job an English teacher.

True

False

You can use a comma since an English Teacher is an appositive describing job; however, the author might choose to use the colon for dramatic effect.

Explanation

You can use a comma since an English Teacher is an appositive describing job; however, the author might choose to use the colon for dramatic effect.

8. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

At 8:10, we went to the store and picked up several items: bread, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, and popcorn.

At 8:10, we picked up several items at the store: bread, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and popcorn.

At 8 10, we picked up a few items at the store: bread, Transformers: Revenge of the fallen, and popcorn.

A colon is used for time.

A colon is used to introduce a list

A colon is used between the title and subtitle of a movie

Only answer b has all three colons.

Explanation

A colon is used for time.

A colon is used to introduce a list

A colon is used between the title and subtitle of a movie

Only answer b has all three colons.