Semicolon Grammar Quiz

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team

The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.

Learn about Our Editorial Process

| By Asagodfrey

Asagodfrey

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 8,780

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 8,821 | Updated: Mar 13, 2024

Questions

Settings

Create your own Quiz

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Whatsapp Share on Pinterest Share on Email Copy to Clipboard Embed on your website

Do you know your semicolons? Most people have a hard time when it comes to using punctuations correctly and in this special quiz a learner will get the opportunity to perfect their skills when it comes to using the semicolons. Give it a try and get to see just how well you can actually use them in a sentence. All the best!

Questions and Answers

1.

Please choose the grammatically correct sentence.
- A.
  
  I received a cat for my birthday, his name is Charlie
- B.
  
  I received a cat for my birthday; his name is Charlie.
- C.
  
  I received a cat for my birthday his name is Charlie.
Correct Answer
B. I received a cat for my birthday; his name is Charlie.

Explanation
b. is correct because a semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses or sentences.

Rate this question:

7
0
2.

Semicolons and commas are used interchangeably.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses or sentences or when an adverb or transitional phrase is used to join two independent clauses or sentences. Commas are used when a dependent clause starts the sentence or to separate things in a series and other uses but not to separate independent clauses or sentences.

Rate this question:

10
2
3.

John ate sushi and became sick therefore, he never ate sushi again.

Correct Answer
;

Explanation
A semicolon is used first before the transition word then it is followed by a comma.

Rate this question:

13
4 0
4.

Semicolons are used
- A.
  
  In between two independent clauses
- B.
  
  Before a coordinaiting conjunction is used in a sentence
- C.
  
  To join two independent clauses that use a transitional word
- D.
  
  After a dependent clause starts the sentence
Correct Answer(s)
A. In between two independent clauses
C. To join two independent clauses that use a transitional word

Explanation
Semicolons are used in between two independent clauses and independent clauses that use a transition word. A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction or after a dependent clause starts the sentence.

Rate this question:

7
0
5.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- A.
  
  I hate cold weather, therefore I loathe the winter.
- B.
  
  I hate cold weather: therefore, I loathe the winter.
- C.
  
  I hate cold weather, therefore, I loathe the winter.
- D.
  
  I hate cold weather; therefore, I loathe the winter.
Correct Answer
D. I hate cold weather; therefore, I loathe the winter.

Explanation
One must use a semicolon to join these two independent thoughts and 'd' is the only choice with that necessary semicolon.

Rate this question:

11
1
6.

Semicolons and colons can be used interchangeably.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses where as a colon is used before beginning a list.

Rate this question:

8
0
7.

Semicolons are used to join dependent clauses.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Semicolons are used to join independent clauses.

Rate this question:

11
0
8.

Semicolons are most useful in joining two independent thoughts together into one complete thought.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Semicolons are most useful when the writer wants to show the reader independent points that are directly linked to one another in thought.

Rate this question:

7
0
9.

Why would a person need to use a semicolon?
- A.
  
  They want to create a compound sentence.
- B.
  
  They want to make their sentence look more fancy.
- C.
  
  They want to separate items on a list that already have commas within the list.
- D.
  
  They want to use a conjunction.
Correct Answer
C. They want to separate items on a list that already have commas within the list.

Explanation
A person would need to use a semicolon when they want to separate items on a list that already have commas within the list. Semicolons can indeed be used in compound sentences without a coordinating conjunction; this is often referred to as a compound sentence structure without a conjunction. This usage allows for a clear separation between two closely related independent clauses. However, in the given context of the question, the focus is on the specific scenario where semicolons are used to separate items in a list with internal commas.

Rate this question:

7
0

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

Current Version
Mar 13, 2024

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Feb 04, 2015

Quiz Created by
Asagodfrey

Semicolon Grammar Quiz

Please choose the grammatically correct sentence.

Semicolons and commas are used interchangeably.

John ate sushi and became sick therefore, he never ate sushi again.

Semicolons are used

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Semicolons and colons can be used interchangeably.

Semicolons are used to join dependent clauses.

Semicolons are most useful in joining two independent thoughts together into one complete thought.

Why would a person need to use a semicolon?