Quiz: Uses of the Semicolon

1. Complete the following statement to make it TRUE.
  • Semicolons are most often used to connect ________
a. sentence fragments and dependent clauses.
b. an independent clause and a dependent clause.
c. two independent clauses.
2. A semicolon functions like a period, EXCEPT it ________
a. joins two closely related sentences.
b. separates the subject and predicate.
c. divides two sentence fragments.
3. Which sentence is punctuated CORRECTLY?
a. The jury deliberated twelve hours; their verdict was announced at midnight.
b. The jury deliberated twelve hours. Their verdict was announced at midnight.
c. Both a and b
4. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
a. Don't use a semicolon if there is a close connection between clauses.
b. Use a semicolon only if there is a close connection between clauses.
c. Insert a semicolon to divide two unrelated, dependent clauses.
5. Complete the following statement to make it TRUE.
  • A semicolon can be used between items in a series, if ________
a. the items are long or if the phrases contain commas.
b. the items are all closely related and dependent.
c. the phrases all begin with the same preposition.
6. Which sentence is punctuated CORRECTLY?
a. Marketing representatives meet every Monday; however, Josie has missed the last two meetings.
b. Marketing representatives meet every Monday, however, Josie has missed the last two meetings.
c. Marketing representatives meet every Monday however, Josie, has missed the last two meetings.
7. Choose the CORRECTLY punctuated sentence.
a. The company announced that new franchises would open in Wausau, Wisconsin, Columbus, Nebraska, and Deadwood, South Dakota.
b. The company announced that new franchises would open in Wausau, Wisconsin; Canton, Ohio; and Deadwood, South Dakota.
c. The company announced that new franchises would open in Wausau; Wisconsin; Canton; Ohio; and Deadwood, South Dakota.
8. Which sentence is punctuated CORRECTLY?
a. Earlier today; the customer service representative, and I had a heated discussion.
b. Earlier today, the customer service representative; and I had a heated discussion.
c. Neither a nor b

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