Colon / Semicolon

Question 1

There are three types of muscles in the body: cardiac, smooth, and skeletal.

Correct or not

Answer 1

Correct

Question 2

When you see a colon it represents a silent (and they are) example.

There are 3 types of muscles in the human body (and they are): cardiac, smooth, skeletal.

True or false

Answer 2

True

Question 3

We have 2 options here: stay and fight, or run like the wind.

Correct or not

Answer 3

Correct

Question 4

Colons can introduce a quotation

True or false

Answer 4

True

Question 5

He ended with the immortal words of Neil Young: “ Rock and Roll can never die. “

Correct or not

Answer 5

Correct

Question 6

A colon can be used to seperate two independent clauses when a) the second clause is directly related to the first and b) when the emphasis is on the 1st clause.

True or False

Answer 6

False.

When the emphasis is on the 2nd independent clause you can use a colon.

Question 7

A dolphin is not a fish: it is a warm-blooded mammal.

The research is conclusive: climate change is a reality.

Answer 7

Both correct

Question 8

When should the word after a colon be capitalized?

Answer 8

In a quotation

When what follows is 2 or more complete sentences

Question 9

I have several plans for my immediate future: first, im going to marry Brad Pit. Second, I will win the lottery. Third, I will buy my former high school and have it demolished.

Correct or not

Answer 9

Yes

Capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows is 2 or more complete sentences.

Question 10

The three types of muscles in the body are: cardiac, smooth, and skeletal.

Answer 10

Incorrect

The colon seperates the verb from the subject

Question 11

Which is correct and why?

When I graduate, I want to go to: Rome, Israel, and Egypt.

When I graduate, I want to go to Rome, Israel, and Egypt.

Answer 11

1 seperates the preposition (to) from the objects (Rome, Israel, and Egypt )

2. Is correct

Question 12

The most common use of a semi colon is to join 2 independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction

True or false

Answer 12

False

It is to join 2 independent clauses with out a conjunction

Question 13

Use a semicolon when you have a conjunctive adverb
( moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, then, finally)
linking 2 independiente clauses.

True or false

Answer 13

True

Question 14

I’m not a fan of tiger lillies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.

Answer 14

Correct

Question 15

Which is correct

1. I awnsered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other line.
2. I awnsered the phone: but no one seemed to be on the other line.

Answer 15

1. Before a “FAN BOYS” conjunction use a comma not a colon.

Question 16

Which is correct

1. You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.
2. You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.

Answer 16

1. Use a semicolon to separate 2 independiente clauses with out a conjunction.

Question 17

Which is correct

1. We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
2. We ask; therefore, you keep this matter confidential.

Answer 17

1. Use commas because it isn’t 2 independiente clauses.

Question 18

Which is correct

1. The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore, I expect the shipment by now.
2. The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expect the shipment by now.

Answer 18

2. Use a semicolon before and a comma after, introductory words such as however, therefore, for example when they introduce a complete sentence

Question 19

1. The American flag has three colors red, white, and blue.
2. The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.

Answer 19

2. Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list

Question 20

1. She said she loved the book; so I gave it to her.
2. She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.

Answer 20

2. Use a comma between 2 independiente clauses when joined by a FAN BOYS conjunction

Question 21

1. She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.
2. She has three dogs; two poodles and a beagle

Answer 21

1. Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list.

Question 22

1. I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.
2. I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.

Answer 22

1. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contains a comma.

Question 23

1. I need a few items from the store; a bottle opener, clothespins, and napkins.
2. I need a few items from the store: a bottle opener, clothespins, and napkins.

Answer 23

2. Use a colon to introduce list after a complete sentence.

Question 24

When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.

              True or False

Answer 24

True

Question 25

Average nurse salary in MI is 70,000$ for an RN

Answer 25

Get that cash bro !!!!

Question 26

You must bring basic supplies to class, such as: a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
A. supplies to class, such as a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
B. supplies to class: such as, a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
C. supplies to class: such as: a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
D. No error

Answer 26

A: A rule for using colons is to add one between a complete sentence and a list of items in the absence of introductory words. In this example, the introductory words are “such as,” precluding the need for a colon. No punctuation is needed before or after “such as.” Without these words, a colon would be correct (e.g. “You must bring basic supplies to class: a pen or pencil…”).

Question 27

The jeweler’s “four Cs” of appraising diamonds are these: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats.
A. diamonds are these. Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carats.
B. diamonds are these, Color: Clarity: Cut: and Carats.
C. diamonds: are these Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats.
D. No error

Answer 27

D: This construction is correct. When listing items following a complete sentence, introduce them with a colon if no introductory words (e.g. “that is,” “for example,” “namely,” etc.) are included. The period in choice A is incorrect because the list that follows it is not a sentence. Additionally, there is nothing introducing the list to show the relationship between it and the sentence preceding it. A colon is a better choice than the comma in choice

Question 28

The ideal candidate will be able to (1) do research, (2) write articles, and (3) edit and proofread.
A. will be able to:
B. The ideal candidate: will
C. to (1): do research, (2): write articles, and (3): edit and proofread.
D. No error

Answer 28

D: When listing items, no colon is used unless a complete sentence precedes the list. In this example, “The ideal candidate will be able to” is not a complete sentence, so no colon is used. (Note: Some publications allow a colon to be used as a “style choice,” but this is not a grammatical rule.) There is no reason to place a colon between “candidate” (the subject) and “will.” It is incorrect to put colons after each number in the list.

Question 29

The following donations are especially needed
• Disposable diapers
• Warm blankets
• Infant formula
A. The following donations are especially needed.
B. The following donations are especially needed:
C. The following donations are especially needed,
D. No error

Answer 29

B: The rule is to use a colon to introduce a list of items when the list is preceded by a complete sentence, as in this case. The period and the comma are not used for this purpose. Note also that when listing single words or phrases as bullet points, as in this example, punctuation and capitalization are optional.

Question 30

He was dehydrated; he had drunk no water in days.
A. He was dehydrated, he had drunk no water in days.
B. He was dehydrated: He had drunk no water in days.
C. He was dehydrated: he had drunk no water in days.
D. No error

Answer 30

C: When the second of two independent clauses illustrates or explains the first clause and there is no coordinating conjunction between them (e.g. “because,” “as,” or “since”), separate the two with a colon rather than a semicolon. Separating two independent clauses with a comma is incorrect. The first word of the second clause (the one immediately following the colon) should be capitalized only if two or more clauses or sentences are used to explain or illustrate the first clause. When only one explanatory or illustrative clause follows the first clause, no capitalization is necessary.

Question 31

Whole grains are better than refined grains; they have more fiber. They are also more filling.
A. than refined grains: they have
B. than refined grains: They have
C. than refined grains, they have
D. No error

Answer 31

B: The second independent clause of the first sentence explains the first independent clause. When this is the case, separate the two clauses with a colon, not a semicolon. If only one explanatory clause or sentence follows the first clause, do not capitalize the first word of the second clause. However, if two or more explanatory clauses or sentences follow the first, as in this example, the first word of the second clause should be capitalized. Using a comma to separate independent clauses is incorrect.

Question 32

Dear Mr. President,
A. Dear Mr. President:
B. Dear Mr. President;
C. Dear Mr. President—
D. No error

Answer 32

A: This salutation opens a formal business letter. The correct punctuation for business letter salutations is the colon. The comma is only used in salutations for personal or informal letters (e.g. “Dear John,”). The semicolon is not a correct punctuation mark for any letter salutation. The hyphen or dash is only used in very informal communications, such as e-mails, mass-mailed promotional form letters, etc.

Question 33

In 1848, as a first-term Congressman, Abraham Lincoln defended the right of self-government for Texas when he said, “Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable – a most sacred right – a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world.”

Answer 33

C: When using a quotation longer than three lines, the quotation should be introduced with a colon, not a comma. It should also have a blank space above and below it. Additionally, quotations this long should be indented. Finally, quotation marks should not enclose such spaced, indented, longer quotations. The form of the quotation presented in the question breaks all of these rules. Choice A contains a colon and the quotation is indented, but quotation marks are incorrectly used and there is no space above or below the quotation. Choice B has no punctuation to introduce the quotation. There are no indentations or spaces, and it includes quotation marks.

Question 34

I drive my car much less than I did 10 years ago: because I work at home now.
A. ten years ago: Because
B. ten years ago; because
C. ten years ago because
D. No error

Answer 34

C: No punctuation is required within this sentence. The word “because” is a subordinating conjunction that connects the clause “I work at home now” to the first clause, “I drive my car much less than I did 10 years ago.” The colon would only be used in place of the word “because,” not in addition to it. Placing a colon before “Because” and capitalizing the “B” is also incorrect. A colon followed by a sentence with the first letter of the first word capitalized is only correct if a subordinating conjunction like “because” is not used. The second sentence must also illustrate or explain the previous one. Placing a semicolon before “because” is also incorrect.

Question 35

International Business Systems
3001 Farrington Street, #105-B
Dallas, Texas 75207
October 23, 2011
Ms. Marta Betancourt
3006 Woodside, #3011
Dallas, Texas 75204
Dear Marta:
A. Dear Marta,
B. Dear Marta;
C. Dear Ms. Betancourt,
D. No error

Answer 35

D: This is correct. The rule for business letter salutations is to use a colon even when using the addressee’s first name. While the more formal “Ms. Betancourt” might be preferred in a business letter, there are business communications with first-name salutations. For example, the writer may have a business (not personal) relationship with the addressee, but it is a long-standing, cordial relationship, and they call one another by their first names. Also, some businesses may use first-name salutations to establish rapport with addressees. Commas are only for personal letters. Semicolons are never used for letter salutations.

Question 36

The three types of rock are: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Correct or not

Answer 36

Not

Correct : The three types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Question 37

That’s the key: What to do about rust.

Correct or not

Answer 37

Not

Correct : That’s the key: what to do about rust.

Do not capitalize the first word of a phrase or an incomplete sentence that follows a colon unless it is a proper noun. (Some style guides recommend capitalizing the first word following a colon only when the explanatory content consists of two or more sentences. However, others consider that suggestion too restrictive and advise capitalizing one or more complete explanatory sentences; I endorse this style.)

Question 38

Try the following steps: Rinse, lather, and repeat.

Correct or Not

Answer 38

Correct
The imperative statement preceding the colon is a complete thought; this sentence is correct.

Question 39

Smith said: “That’s the way I look at it.”

Correct or not

Answer 39

Not

Correct : Smith said, “That’s the way I look at it.”

An attribution should be followed by a comma, not a colon. (Exception: Use a colon if the attribution is a complete thought.

Question 40

For example: Compare the two images below.

Correct or not

Answer 40

Not

Correct : For example, compare the two images below.

Always use a comma, not a colon, after an introductory phrase.

Question 41

Use a (semicolon or colon) to join an independent clause to a word, phrase or clause with the idea that the second element is to explain or illustrate the idea of first clause.

Answer 41

Colon

Question 42

He opened two more clinics ( ; or : ) he barely had enough money for one clinic. (contrary outcome)

Answer 42

;

Question 43

Use a ( semicolon or colon ) to relate the idea of one clause to another. No conjunction is used; the relationship is understood from the context. In some sentences, either a colon or a semicolon can be used.

Answer 43

Semicolon

Question 44

Local business supported him ( : or ; ) they gave him supplies and money. “that is”

Answer 44

:

Question 45

A (colon or semicolon) is placed before a list of examples (words or phrases) or a clause giving details related to the first clause

Replace the punctuation mark with “for example” and it will make sense

Answer 45

Colon

Question 46

The trip to Frankfurt takes several hours( : or ; ) it is about ten hours without traffic.

Answer 46

:

Remember replace a colon with “for example” to see if it makes sense

If it doesn’t make sense use a semi colon

Question 47

The trip to Frankfurt takes several hours ( ; or : ) the flight is long and tiring.

Answer 47

;

When in doubt if it’s a colon or a semicolon, replace it with the phrase “for example “ if it makes senses it is a colon.

Question 48

A ( semicolon or colon ) joins two independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the clauses are of equal emphasis – “In other words

Answer 48

Semicolon

Question 49

The airport terminal is rather confusing to get around ( ; or : )give yourself plenty of time to find your gate.

Answer 49

;

A semicolon replaces the phrase “ in other words “ and makes sense

Question 50

Security is high at the airport( : or ; ) all areas are on alert.

Answer 50

;

Replace a semicolon with the phrase “in other words” if it makes sense it’s a semicolon

Question 51

Airlines are offering less service in flight( : or ; ) fewer items are free on board.

Answer 51

;

Replace a semicolon with the phrase ( in other words ) if it makes sense it’s a semicolon

Question 52

The airport terminal is rather confusing to get around ( ; or : ) signs are missing or inaccurate.

Answer 52

:
Replace a colon with the phrase (for example) if it makes sense it is a colon

Question 53

Security is high at the airport( : or ; ) car trunks, suitcases and people are carefully searched.

Answer 53

:
Replace a colon with the phrase ( for example) if it makes sense it’s a colon

Question 54

Airlines are offering fewer service( ; or : ) you have to pay for a meal or a blanket.

Answer 54

:
Replace a colon with the phrase ( for example) if it makes sense it is a colon.

Question 55

The independent clause after a colon explains the first clause.

While the clause after a semicolon restates the first clause.

True or False

Answer 55

True

Question 56

They were ready, they were willing, they were able, and they were there.

They were ready, they were willing, they were able; and they were there.

They were ready; they were willing; they were able, and they were there.

They were ready they were willing they were able; and they were there.

No error

Answer 56

They were ready; they were willing; they were able, and they were there.

Question 57

Please bring needed camping supplies for example a tent, a sleeping bag, and a lantern.

Please bring needed camping supplies; for example, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a lantern.

Please bring needed camping supplies, for example, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a lantern.

Either answer A or answer B

No error

Answer 57

Either answer A or answer B

Question 58

When I am done with my work I will help you with yours and then your work will be done sooner.

When I am done with my work, I will help you with yours, and then your work will be done sooner.

When I am done, with my work I will help you with yours and then; your work will be done sooner.

When I am done with my work, I will help you with yours; and then your work will be done sooner.

No error

Answer 58

C:When two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction (“and” in this case) and the first clause contains one or more commas, separate the two clauses with a semicolon. The example has no punctuation (except the period at the end) and is thus a run-on sentence. It is correct to separate the dependent clause (when I am done with my work) from the first independent clause (I will help you with yours) with a comma; however, it is incorrect to separate the clause having the internal comma from the other clause (A). A comma is incorrectly placed between “am done” and “with my work” in (B), making it seem as if the prepositional phrase modifies “I will help you” and confusing the meaning.