Semicolon Grammar Quiz

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

True

False

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

Explanation

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

2. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

I hate cold weather, therefore I loathe the winter.

I hate cold weather: therefore, I loathe the winter.

I hate cold weather, therefore, I loathe the winter.

I hate cold weather; therefore, I loathe the winter.

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

Explanation

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

3. Please choose the grammatically correct sentence.

I received a cat for my birthday, his name is Charlie

I received a cat for my birthday; his name is Charlie.

I received a cat for my birthday his name is Charlie.

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

Explanation

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

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

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

Explanation

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

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5. Semicolons are used to join dependent clauses.

True

False

Semicolons are used to join independent clauses.

Explanation

Semicolons are used to join independent clauses.

6. Semicolons and commas are used interchangeably.

True

False

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.

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.

7. Semicolons and colons can be used interchangeably.

True

False

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

Explanation

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

8. Match the following

I washed my car this weekend it looks great now.

After washing my car this weekend I was exhausted

The first sentence needs a semicolon to combine the two independent clauses that use a transition word. The second sentence starts with a dependent clause so it just needs a comma.

Explanation

The first sentence needs a semicolon to combine the two independent clauses that use a transition word. The second sentence starts with a dependent clause so it just needs a comma.

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9. Why would a person need to use a semicolon?

They want to create a compound sentence.

They want to make their sentence look more fancy.

They want to separate items on a list that already have commas within the list.

They want to use a conjunction.

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.

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.

10. Semicolons are used

In between two independent clauses

Before a coordinaiting conjunction is used in a sentence

To join two independent clauses that use a transitional word

After a dependent clause starts the sentence

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.

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.

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