This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled. Home > English Grammar > Grammar > Punctuation > Colons And Semicolons – Quiz 1 🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books Colons And Semicolons Quiz 1 (60 MCQs) Quiz Instructions Select an option to see the correct answer instantly. 1. What is one use of a colon? A) Introducing items in a list. B) To end a sentence. C) To show that a dialogue is ending. D) To show a that a sentence is beginning. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Introducing items in a list. 2. My dad has a surprise trip planned for us during Spring Break ..... we have to wait until Friday to find out. A) Semicolon. B) Comma. C) Period. D) Colon. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Semicolon. 3. I have lamb for lunch ..... Fred had steak. A) Colon. B) Semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Semicolon. 4. What should never follow a semicolon? A) A conjunction (e.g., and, but, so, or, nor, etc.). B) A transition. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) A conjunction (e.g., and, but, so, or, nor, etc.). 5. In which sentence is a colon used correctly? A) I understand why people love:fishing. B) I don't like boats:they make me very seasick. C) Alissa:she loves her puppy more than she loves her fish. D) Love is what makes:the world go round. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) I don't like boats:they make me very seasick. 6. You will be assessed on the following things next week ..... comprehension, vocabulary in context, and writing organization. A) Colon. B) Semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Colon. 7. The movie begins at 830pm A) The movie begins at 8:30 P.M. B) The movie begins at 8;30 pm. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The movie begins at 8:30 P.M. 8. What is the correct punctuation for the following sentence:'There is one reason they will not make it ( ..... ) the storm is too strong.' A) ;. B) :. C) ,. D) . Show Answer Correct Answer: B) :. 9. What is the correct punctuation for the following sentence:'She loves to read novels( ..... ) mysteries are her favorite.' A) :. B) ,. C) ;. D) . Show Answer Correct Answer: A) :. 10. Which type of punctuation do you use to separate items in a list when the items in the list already contain commas? A) More commas. B) Semicolons. C) Colons. D) Dashes. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Semicolons. 11. Does this sentence use the colon correctly? The reasons for his success are:he worked hard, was determined, and never gave up. A) No. B) Yes. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) No. 12. Add the Punctuation!The recipe basically had a 3 4 ratio of sugar to cactus juice. A) The recipe basically had a 3;4 ratio of sugar to cactus juice. B) The recipe basically had a 3-4 ratio of sugar to cactus juice. C) The recipe basically had a 3'4 ratio of sugar to cactus juice. D) The recipe basically had a 3:4 ratio of sugar to cactus juice. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) The recipe basically had a 3:4 ratio of sugar to cactus juice. 13. The sign was very explicit no dogs allowed! A) Explicit. B) Explicit:. C) Explicit,. D) Explicit;. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Explicit:. 14. How should this sentence be separated?With a comma, semicolon, or a colon? I like to go to the park ..... beach ..... and hiking. A) Comma. B) Semicolon. C) Colon. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Comma. 15. Semicolons can be used to connect: A) Two dependent clauses. B) Two related independent clauses. C) One dependent clause and one independent clause. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Two related independent clauses. 16. Semicolon or colon? A) Life is like a puzzle:half the fun is trying to work it out. B) Life is like a puzzle; half the fun is trying to work it out. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Life is like a puzzle:half the fun is trying to work it out. 17. I have finished the main course, now I have to make dessert. A) Correct. B) Incorrect. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Incorrect. 18. Is the semicolon in the correct spot:The library board met on Tuesday; it was an emergency meeting. A) Yes. B) No. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Yes. 19. Paige failed her English test ..... nevertheless, she was able to get a good job. A) Semicolon. B) Colon. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Semicolon. 20. I bought a lot of meat at the store:bacon, turkey, chicken, and tuna. A) Correct. B) Incorrect. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Correct. 21. Correctly punctuate the sentence below using a colon (A) or a semicolon (B). Gustavo won the greatest prize at the carnival a giant stuffed hotdog. A) ; (semicolon). B) :(colon). Show Answer Correct Answer: B) :(colon). 22. Where should you add a semicolon (;) in this sentence:On spring break I visited:Little Rock, AR Memphis, TN and Nashville TN. A) Little Rock; AR, Memphis; TN, and Nashville; TN. B) Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; and Nashville, TN. C) Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN and Nashville, TN. D) No change. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; and Nashville, TN. 23. Which punctuation mark is needed in the following sentence?Football is my son's favorite sport, but my daughter prefers volleyball. A) ;. B) :. C) Neither of these. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Neither of these. 24. What punctuation belongs in the blank space?I like to spend my weekends playing outside; however ..... Lori prefers the comfort of her own home. A) ;. B) ,. C) . D) :. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) ,. 25. Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?(Remember a colon comes after a complete sentence) A) The camping trip was:hot, sticky, and gross. B) You will need to bring the following items on the camping trip:tennis shoes, bug spray, and a hat. C) I don't like to camp:because there are bugs, animals, and no air conditioning. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) You will need to bring the following items on the camping trip:tennis shoes, bug spray, and a hat. 26. Does this sentence correctly use colons? My favorite colors are:blue, green, and purple. A) No. B) Yes. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Yes. 27. Which sentence below correctly uses a semicolon? A) The world is a stage; sometimes. B) You can come pick me up; I feel much better. C) I have finished; the main course. D) When I walked to the store; I felt a pull in my muscle. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) You can come pick me up; I feel much better. 28. After which WORDS should a semi-colon be inserted added? This summer I am going to visit Memphis, Tennessee Little Rock, Arkansas and St. Louis, Missouri. A) Visit and Memphis. B) Tennessee and Arkansas. C) Arkansas and St. Louis. D) Little Rock and Arkansas. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Tennessee and Arkansas. 29. Does the following sentence require a colon or semicolon?We have a big game tomorrow therefore, I need some rest. A) Colon. B) Semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Semicolon. 30. Fix this sentence. We better study for the test otherwise we might fail. A) We better study for the test; otherwise, we might fail. B) We better study for the test:otherwise, we might fail. C) We better study for the test; otherwise:we might fail. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) We better study for the test; otherwise, we might fail. 31. What are the semicolons doing in this sentence? ''John likes all kinds of sandwiches:bacon, lettuce and tomato; peanut butter and jelly; ham, cheese, and turkey; and plenty more." A) They are separating items in a complex list. B) They are uniting two closely connected clauses. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) They are separating items in a complex list. 32. Which of the following lists is correct? A) I invited Beth, my roommate; Jessi, my friend; and Katie, my mom. B) I invied Beth; my roommate; Jessi; my friend; and Katie; my mom. C) I invited Beth, my roommate, Jessi, my friend, and Katie, my mom. D) I invited Beth, my roommate:Jessi, my friend:and Katie, my mom. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) I invited Beth, my roommate; Jessi, my friend; and Katie, my mom. 33. I drove through Nashville, TN, Memphis, TN, Little Rock, AR, and Fayetteville, AR. A) I drove through Nashville, TN; Memphis, TN; Little Rock, AR; and Fayetteville, AR. B) I drove through Nashville; TN, Memphis; TN, Little Rock; AR, and Fayetteville; AR. C) I drove through Nashville TN:Memphis TN; Little Rock AR; and Fayetteville AR. D) Correct as is. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) I drove through Nashville, TN; Memphis, TN; Little Rock, AR; and Fayetteville, AR. 34. Which sentence below correctly uses a colon? A) She went to:great lengths to emphasize it. B) The main charatcre in the movie was the bad guy:I didn't see it coming. C) This was first said:by Shakespeare. D) There are two choices this time:run away or fight. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) There are two choices this time:run away or fight. 35. Which of the following is NOT considered a rule that we learned about colons? A) Use a colon after an independent clause joined with another independent clause by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOY). B) Use a colon to separate a title and a subtitle. C) Use a colon before an explanation that has a complete sentence before it. D) Use a colon prior to a list. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Use a colon after an independent clause joined with another independent clause by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOY). 36. We'll leave for the beach at 5:00 in the morning. A) Correct. B) We'll leave for the beach at 5;00 in the morning. C) We'll leave for the beach at 500 in the morning. D) We'll leave for the beach at 50:0 in the morning. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Correct. 37. I need you to pick up a few things at Kroger ..... bananas, strawberries, and cookies. A) Colon. B) Semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Colon. 38. What type of punctuation do you use before a conjunctive adverb (ex. however, therefore, consequently, unfortunately)? A) Comma. B) Colon. C) Period. D) Semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Semicolon. 39. What change if any should be made to the following sentence:The grocery list Mom gave me had the following items on it:carrots, rice, milk, and honey. A) Add a comma after me. B) No change needed. C) Remove the colon after it. D) Change the colon to a semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) No change needed. 40. Michelle drives a Jaguar; Sonya drives a Porsche. A) Correct. B) Incorrect. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Correct. 41. Does this sentence use a semicolon correctly? I need to buy a few things at the grocery store; milk, eggs, bread, and cheese are on my list. A) No. B) Yes. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Yes. 42. Does this sentence us the colon correctly?He had three options for dinner:spaghetti and meatballs, chicken alfredo, or lasagna, but he chose to go out instead. A) No. B) Yes. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) No. 43. Fix the following sentence. She had self-defense training consequently she fought off the attacker. A) She had self-defense training; consequently, she fought off the attacker. B) She had self-defense training:consequently, she fought off the attacker. C) She had self-defense training; consequently:she fought off the attacker. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) She had self-defense training; consequently, she fought off the attacker. 44. What is the correct punctuation for the following sentence:'Her goal was simply stated ( ..... ) she wanted to win the state championship.' A) . B) :. C) ,. D) ;. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) :. 45. Correctly punctuate the sentence below with a colon (A) or a semicolon (B). The author's word choice makes the tone clear ..... bitingly sarcastic. A) The author's word choice makes the tone clear; bitingly sarcastic. B) The author's word choice makes the tone clear:bitingly sarcastic. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The author's word choice makes the tone clear:bitingly sarcastic. 46. She calls it the bathroom; but it's called the loo. A) Correct. B) Incorrect. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Incorrect. 47. I think, therefore, I am. A) Correct. B) I think; therefore, I am. C) I think, therefore I am. D) I think therefore I am. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) I think; therefore, I am. 48. Select the choice that uses correct punctuation for the following sentence:My dog has been so well-behaved he will get a treat. A) My dog has been so well-behaved he will get:a treat. B) My dog has been; so well-behaved he will get a treat. C) My dog has been so well-behaved; he will get a treat. D) My dog has been so well-behaved:he will get a treat. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) My dog has been so well-behaved; he will get a treat. 49. Correctly punctuate the sentence below with a colon (A) or a semicolon (B). At the peace conference, the British received Canada from France ..... they also received Florida from Spain. A) A:. B) B ;. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) B ;. 50. I just filled my cat's bowl with ..... she's still rolling around and meowing at me. A) Food;. B) Food:. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Food;. 51. Does the following sentence require a colon or semicolon?I have a test on Friday I need to study. A) Colon. B) Semicolon. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Semicolon. 52. Does this sentence use the colon correctly? I'm going to the store to buy:milk, bread, and eggs. A) Yes. B) No. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) No. 53. What punctuation belongs in the blank space?This is the deal ..... you cannot pass this class without meeting the A.R. goal. A) ;. B) :. C) . D) ,. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) :. 54. Colons can go after a verb. A) True. B) False. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) False. 55. In the following sentence, where should a colon be added?Lucija planned to grow several herbs in her garden basil, rosemary and thyme. A) After 'grow'. B) After 'garden'. C) After 'rosemary'. D) After 'planned'. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) After 'garden'. 56. Loaded to the iPad were several different games ..... Candy Crush, Homescapes, and Clash of Clans. A) ,. B) :. C) ;. D) No punctuation. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) :. 57. Is the following punctuation correct or incorrect? Lisa has some free time now; therefore, she will coordinate the bake sale. A) Correct. B) Incorrect. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Correct. 58. What type of punctuation do you use to separate a TITLE and a SUBTITLE? A) Semicolon. B) Colon. C) Dash. D) Period. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Colon. 59. Where does the colon go? I like to read books, magazines and brochures. A) Before read. B) After like. C) This sentence does not need a colon. D) After read. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) This sentence does not need a colon. 60. What change, if any, should be made to the following sentence:I really enjoy hiking in the woods; it's so calm and beautiful. A) Change the semicolon to a comma. B) Add a comma after calm. C) No change needed. D) Change the semicolon to a colon. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) No change needed. Next →Related QuizzesGrammar QuizzesEnglish Grammar QuizzesColons And Semicolons Quiz 2Colons And Semicolons Quiz 3Colons And Semicolons Quiz 4Colons And Semicolons Quiz 5Apostrophe Omission And Possession QuizApostrophe Pre Assessment QuizApostrophes For Contractions QuizApostrophes Plural Or Possessive Quiz 🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books