Tag: punctuation

Questions Related to punctuation

Mother Teresa ran hospices and homes for people with serious diseases, soup kitchens, dispensaries and mobile clinics: she received numerous awards for her work.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. clinics,

  2. clinics;

  3. clinics ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Compound sentences are those which contain more than one subject or predicate. Semicolon is used to show bigger separation when there is already comma within a sentence for smaller separations. The given sentence already has commas to show smaller separations in a list of items thus semi colon should be used after them to show bigger separation.Thus, option B is correct. 

His step was sure, his gait was stylish.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. sure. His

  2. sure; his

  3. sure: his

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The semi colon represents a longer pause than comma. It is used to separate clauses which are loosely connected in thought. As, the given sentence consists of clauses that are not strongly connected., a semi colon must be used to link them.
A colon is used between sentences grammatically correct but closely related.
The period is used to mark an end to a statement and not link them.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

The coffee was warm, the eggs were boiled to perfection and the toast was crisp; Maria and Luke were all set to have breakfast.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. crisp,

  3. crisp:

  4. crisp ...

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Compound sentences are those which contain more than one subject or predicate. Semicolon is used to show bigger separation when there is already comma within a sentence for smaller separations. The given sentence already has comma to show smaller separation thus semi colon should be used after them to show bigger separation. The given sentence is correct thus, option A is the right answer.  

The peacock's tail was blue and green, his body was an iridescent blue.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. green:

  2. green -

  3. green;

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The semi colon represents a longer pause than comma. It is used to separate clauses which are loosely connected in thought. As, the given sentence consists of clauses that are not strongly connected., a semi colon must be used to link them. Thus, the correct answer is Option C
Option A - A colon is used between sentences grammatically correct but closely related.
Option B - A dash is used to connect related concepts to one another.
Option D is incorrect. A comma is used before a conjunction that joins two independent clauses.

His house had French windows in every room, he wanted to be sure of having fresh air blowing through the interiors.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. room;

  3. room:

  4. room -

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The semi colon represents a longer pause than comma. It is used to separate clauses which are loosely connected in thought. As, the given sentence consists of clauses that are not strongly connected., a semi colon must be used to link them.
A colon is used between sentences grammatically correct but closely related.
A comma is used before coordinate conjunctions that joins two independent clauses.
An em dash is used to set apart parenthetical phrases or clauses in a sentence. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

The morning dawned bright and clear: Peter and his family were ready for their long journey.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. clear;

  2. clear ...

  3. clear,

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The semi colon represents a longer pause than comma. It is used to separate clauses which are loosely connected in thought. As, the given sentence consists of clauses that are not strongly connected., a semi colon must be used to link them. Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
Option B - An ellipsis is used to represent a trailing of thought.
Option C - A comma is used before a conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
Option D - A colon is used between sentences grammatically correct but closely related.

The Queen enjoyed a long reign, she ruled justly and mercifully.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. reign;

  2. reign:

  3. reign

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The semi colon represents a longer pause than comma. It is used to separate clauses which are loosely connected in thought. As, the given sentence consists of clauses that are not strongly connected., a semi colon must be used to link them. Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
Option B - A colon is used between sentences grammatically correct but closely related.
Option D is incorrect. A comma is used before a conjunction that joins two independent clauses.

Team interaction is a key ingredient of workplace culture: good communication between team members is essential for success.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. culture;

  2. culture -

  3. culture ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The given sentence describes two separate clauses that can exist independently. However, the use of colon (:) to join both the clauses is incorrect. A colon is generally used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.

 A semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. Thus, the correct answer should be Option A.
Option B - A hyphen is used for the formation of certain compound terms. For example, eye-opener, free-for-all etc.
Option C - An em dash(---) is used to create a strong break to show an interruption ,or a change of thought.


He was kind-hearted and gregarious, everyone liked him.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. gregarious;

  2. gregarious -

  3. gregarious:

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. According to general rule, a semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. Thus, the correct answer should be Option A.
A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
A dash is used to set apart clauses in a sentence that also has a conjunction.
A colon is used between independent clauses only when the second illustrates or explains the first.

The land was beautiful: the land was green.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

semicolon punctuation english

  1. beautiful;

  2. beautiful -

  3. beautiful ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
A semi colon represents a longer pause than a comma. It is used to separate clauses which are loosely connected in thought. The given sentence consists of clauses that are not strongly connected, a semi colon must be used to link them.
A colon is used between sentences grammatically correct but closely related.
The usage of an em dash will also be incorrect, it is used to set apart parenthetical phrases and clauses in a sentence.
An ellipsis can be used to represent a trailing of thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.