Tag: punctuation

Questions Related to punctuation

A range of new blockbusters is coming to the cinemas this summer: thrillers, comedies and family dramas.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. summer;

  2. summer,

  3. summer ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of blockbusters coming to the cinemas.
An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.
A semi colon and a comma are used to between or before coordinating conjunctions in two independent clauses respectively.
However, the punctuation colon (:) is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Thus, the most appropriate answer is Option A, no change.

Maria painted her house in neutral colors; gray, white and brown.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. colors:

  2. colors ...

  3. colors

  4. colors. 

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of colors used by Maria to paint her house.
The punctuation colon (:) is used to introduce a list of items.
Thus, the most suitable answer will be Option A.
An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.
A period is used only at the end of a declaratory sentence and not in between.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word:
Plants obtain energy for their activities through photosynthesis, a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

colon punctuation english

  1. photosynthesis:

  2. photosynthesis;

  3. photosynthesis

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. 
Option A - As a general rule, a colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second illustrates or explains the first. In the given sentence, the second half explains the process of photosynthesis. Thus, the usage of colon in place of comma will be more appropriate.
Option B - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.


I am moving to another city for several reasons, better job opportunities, a diversity of cultural events and good schools for the children.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. reasons;

  2. reasons:

  3. reasons

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of benefits of moving to another city. 
A punctuation is required to separate the list of benefits from the introductory clause. However, a comma is used in a list to separate a series of items and not before that. Therefore, using a comma in the given sentence is incorrect.
Option A - A semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. 
Option B - A colon (:) is specifically used to introduce a list of items. Therefore, the correct answer must be Option B.

Maya wrote "It is stormy at this time of the year."

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. wrote.

  2. wrote:

  3. wrote;

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. Quotation marks can be either preceded by a comma or a colon. However, in the case of independent clause, a colon must be opted for. Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
The other options are not valid to be used before a quotation mark.

One of the most surprising objects found in his study was a prism; a transparent optical instrument with flat polished surfaces that refract light.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. prism:

  3. prism,

  4. prism ...

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A colon has several uses, one of them is to link two sentences that are grammatically complete but closely related in thought. 
A semicolon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
An ellipsis is used to represent a thought trailing off.
Thus, the most suitable answer will be Option B.

During her stay in Europe, Elise tasted a variety of traditional Continental desserts; Polish Babka, German Baumkuchen and Italian Cassata.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. desserts ...

  2. desserts,

  3. desserts:

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The given sentence gives a list of traditional Continental desserts. A semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. Therefore, using a semi colon in the given sentence is incorrect.
Option A - An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.

Option B - A comma is used in a list to separate a series of items and not before that.
Option C - The punctuation colon (:) is specifically used to introduce a list of items. Therefore, the correct answer will be Option C.





Leonardo da Vinci may be described as a polymath, and his subjects of interest included art, architecture, science, maths, astronomy, botany and cartography.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

colon punctuation english

  1. polymath;

  2. polymath and

  3. polymath:

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A "polymath" is a person with a wide range of knowledge. The given statement has two independent sentences. Independent sentences have a subject and a verb and can convey a meaning on their own. Here, one sentence describes Leonardo da Vinci as a polymath and the other sentence lists his subjects of interest. These two sentences were joined by the conjunction "and" with a comma before "and." We can use "and" to join two nouns, two independent sentences, etc. Hence, the co-ordinating conjunction "and," which connects two sentences here, has been used correctly.

When two independent sentences are joined by "and," a comma has to be inserted between the two sentences. The given sentence has a comma before "and." So, the punctuation was accurate as well.
So, option D which suggests that no change is necessary is the right answer.
A semi-colon is used to indicate a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period. This sentence does not require a longer pause than that provided by a comma. Moreover, a semi-colon may be necessary to separate two sentences only if the first sentence has multiple commas. The first sentence here does not have any commas. So, option A which suggests a semi-colon is wrong.
Option B recommends removing the comma from the sentence. However, two independent sentences joined by a co-ordinating conjunction should have a comma before the co-ordinating conjunction. We cannot remove the comma from this sentence. So, option B is incorrect.
Option C shows a colon after "polymath." Using a colon, you can give more information about something that is mentioned right before the colon. This sentence does not detail anything about "polymath." It continues to list Leonardo da Vinci's subjects of interest. Hence, a colon is not required here. Thus, option C is incorrect. 
 

Robust leadership, staunch resistance to the enemy and eloquent oratory; these are some of the hallmarks of Winston Churchill's statesmanship.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. oratory,

  3. oratory

  4. oratory:

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of distinctive features under the Churchill's statesmanship. A colon is specifically used to introduce a list into a sentence. Thus, a colon should be used in place of the semi colon. However, a semi colon can be used to link complicated items in a list.
A comma is used to separate different items in a list.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

A rocking chair, an armoire, a bureau and several coffee tables; these are the items of furniture that Michael sold at his garage sale.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

colon punctuation english

  1. tables:

  2. tables,

  3. tables ...

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of items of furniture that Michael sold at his garage sale. A colon is used to introduce a list into a sentence. Thus, a colon should be used in place of the semi colon. However, a semi colon can be used to link complicated items in a list.
A comma is used to separate different items in a list.
An ellipsis is generally used to represent a trailing off thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.