Show:
All About
Commas
Semi-Colons
and Colons
Question Mark
or Period?
Apostrophes and Contraction/Possession
Other
Punctuation
100
We went to the library and she checked out 14 books.
We went to the library, and she checked out 14 books.
100
Should a colon or a semi-colon be used in the following sentence? "I have three main hobbies__ running, playing music, and sewing."
A colon! "I have three main hobbies: running, playing music, and sewing."
100
I guess she's not coming
Period. This is a statement, even though the speaker may be somewhat unsure.
100
What does it mean when I say that "can't" is a contraction?
The apostrophe stands in for the space, n, and o.
100
Are these dashes used correctly? "I asked my aunt--my mom's sister--to bring her favorite book when she came over."
Yes. Like commas, dashes can set off an appositive.
200
I don't need to set my alarm because I don't have work tomorrow.
I don't need to set my alarm because I don't have work tomorrow. (No commas!)
200
What needs to go on either side of a semi-colon?
An independent clause!
200
I asked if she would bring the cake
Period. The speaker is stating that he/she asked in the past but is not asking a question now.
200
Is this apostrophe used correctly, assuming that there are three dogs? "The dogs' water bowls were lined up in a neat row."
Yes. There are multiple dogs, so the apostrophe goes after.
200
Is this dash used correctly? "Hard work and determination--these are the most important traits a student can have."
Yes. Dashes set off an idea in a sentence.
300
I’m often late but I knew I had to be on time for the final exam which was scheduled for Monday May 15.
I’m often late, but I knew I had to be on time for the final exam, which was scheduled for Monday, May 15.
300
Should you use a colon or a semi-colon in the following sentence? "I was very energetic this morning __ in fact, I have had lots of energy all week."
A semi-colon! "I was very energetic this morning; in fact, I have had lots of energy all week."
300
Will you please bring the cake
Question mark! This is a direct question.
300
Is this apostrophe used correctly? "He said his' brothers were on their way."
No. "His" is already possessive.
300
When might you want to use parentheses in a sentence (other than when you are citing a source)?
When you want to add information without giving it too much emphasis.
400
My favorite class English meets only twice a week.
My favorite class, English, meets only twice a week.
400
Should you use a colon in the following sentence? "My favorite sports are: football, baseball, and tennis."
No! That sentence does not need a colon.
400
I wonder if she will graduate next spring
Period. This is an indirect question.
400
Is this apostrophe used correctly? "I store both my bike's in the garage."
No! It should simply be "bikes."
400
Does this sentence use parentheses correctly? "Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was a groundbreaking poet."
Yes. Parentheses can be used to indicate the dates of someone's life.
500
On a very hot summer day there is nothing better than taking a long satisfying drink of cold water.
On a very hot summer day, there is nothing better than taking a long, satisfying drink of cold water.
500
What are two words or phrases that are never used before a colon?
"Such as" or "including."
500
Will you please come with me
Question mark! This is phrased politely, but it's still a request.
500
Choose the correct form. "The puppy wagged its/it's/its' tail."
The correct form is "its." "It's" is a contraction, and "its'" isn't a word at all.
500
Are the quotation marks used correctly here? She said that "she wouldn't go to the store."
No. This is not a direct quote.