Each of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon. Exercising helps to keep you healthy and fit proper nutrition is also important. This handout lists the primary semicolon and colon rules, with examples. Use a semicolon to join two related complete thoughts sentencesindependent clauses without using a conjunction. Using a colon between a preposition and its object. Correct each of the following sentences by placing a semicolon where needed.
A semicolon is a form of punctuation that sorts out complex lists or links complete clauses. Use commas to separate items in a list if none of the items in the list require commas too. He wanted a sled, an air rifle, and a catchers mitt. Anytime you can use a period, you can also use a semicolon but you. Linking function of the colon opens a modal the colon as a separator opens a modal practice. Do this by clicking on the red button next to your choice. The semicolon is often used to make the reader think about the relationship between the two clauses. How to use a semicolon punctuation english current. Colon and semicolon worksheets 2 worksheets grades 37.
From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from usage woes to grammar. Place semicolons between items in lists if some items the list include commas. I like going fishing i dont like putting worms on hooks. The thunderstorm began just as the audience was leaving. Using colons and semicolons exercise in each sentence, decide whether a colon or a semi colon would be most appropriate. Now proceed to the next sentence and continue in the same manner until you have finished all 10 sentences. A colon is used to introduce a list, a quotation or a second clause that makes the first clause easier to understand. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to select. Colon use a colon after a complete statement to introduce related details. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. For answers to these exercises see the next page practice exercise answers 1. Semicolon worksheets and activities ereading worksheets.
Introduction to colons get 3 of 4 questions to level up. In the following fivepart exercise select true or false to indicate whether the sentence uses the appropriate comma or semicolon. Special thanks to vickilee gunn, instructional aide at the center for. A semicolon belongs in each of the following sentences.
Semicolons and colons basic grammar and punctuation. Semicolons the semicolon has three primary functions. Students can be given the document or can copy it as notes. Janet was glad she had taken her umbrella with her to the concert. Punctuating with semicolons and colons the semicolon and colon look similar. A semicolon is slightly different than a comma as it indicates a longer pause in the statements. If a plural noun does not end in s, add an apostrophe and s. Other uses 149 semicolonscolons exercise 1 directions. The tucker family will serve as grand marshals for the. Colon and semicolon worksheets are excerpts from the larger language skills. As you can see, you should not use a capital letter in the first word after a semicolon.
Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons. The colon the colon can be used in the following 7 ways. Shared possessives possession is shared by more than one noun take an apostrophe and s on the last noun only, unless the nouns do not share. Some of the worksheets displayed are semicolons and colons semicolons name semicolon or comma the colon can be used in the following 7 ways semi colons colons and dashes great grammar semicolons and colons colons apostrophes. Learn how to use periods, semicolons, and colons correctly in your sentences via this printable worksheet and interactive quiz. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. This office cannot accept your complaint, we have brought it before the appropriate. The semicolon is also commonly used to join two clauses, changing the sentence in combination with words like therefore, however or on the other hand. Skill summary legend opens a modal introduction to colons. In actuality, however, the semicolon has only two uses.
Punctuation 9 misuses of apostrophes do not use the apostrophe to form plurals. Welcome to esl printables, the website where english language teachers exchange resources. Examples of the colon or the semicolon in worksheets with answers. Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following.
The title of one of his poems signifies dylan thomass feelings. Read each sentence below, and write another sentence using the same punctuation marks. Select the pair of words between which the colon should be placed. Use a colonnot a semicolonwhen what follows the punctuation restates what comes before. As you can see, you should not use a capital letter in the first word after a semi colon. Learn more about semicolons by practicing with our free semicolon worksheets below.
This helps the reader see the relationship between the two ideas. Identify whether to use colons or semicolons in sentences. Written by editor and writer frances peck, these pieces take a thorough yet entertaining look at some of the most common errors, weaknesses and uncertainties that plague writers of english. Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement. Answer key to colons and semicolons displaying top 8 worksheets found for this concept some of the worksheets for this concept are great grammar semicolons and colons, name semicolon or comma, title using commas and semicolons police, colons and semicolons, semicolons, semicolons and colons, colon, punctuation.
Colons can introduce a list, a quotation, an example, an emphatic assertion, or an appositive. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. Learn more about these fourteen punctuation marks below. Semicolons, colons, and dashes sonoma state university. A semicolon exists as a key on a standard keyboard. Up close and personal central missouri trees is a special community presentation planned for wednesday at. Carla often participated in school plays, but she always ended up playing minor roles.
Find out where the colon goes with these colon worksheets with answers on the 2nd page. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Think you know when to use a semicolon in your writing. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to. Practice exercises for each sentence, select the punctuation mark from the choices inside the parentheses. Semicolons and colons, for instance, look a lot alike, but they signal completely different things semicolons connect whole sentences usually while colons. No apostrophe is needed because there is no ownership. Commas, colons, and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the appropriate and necessary conditions for using punctuation. Correct semicolon and colon errors in the following exercises.
Also check out the recent post on serial commas and serial semicolons on. Colons and semicolons were initially used to express pauses longer than a comma and shorter than a period. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Semicolon and colon unitoverview this unit contains. As soon as we explore the examples of colons and semicolons below, youll be that much closer to the title of. The punctuation marks that are commonly used in the english language are.
Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. Check your answers and read the explanations below. While writing, it is very important to use semicolons at the appropriate place since an inappropriate use of semicolon may confuse the reader. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. I believe there are 3 things to achieving good grades. Semicolons and colons provides students with the correct. A collection of downloadable worksheets, exercises and activities to teach colon and semicolon, shared by english language teachers. Semicolon practice worksheets commas colons and semicolons powerpoint lesson this animated slideshow will teach students about the appropriate and necessary conditions for using punctuation. Insert semicolons as needed in the following sentences. The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. The semicolon may be the most misunderstood punctuation mark of all.
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