Semicolons and colons

Joining clauses with semicolons; introducing lists or explanations with colons

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly? A) I love tea; he prefers coffee. B) I love tea; because it's warm. C) I love; tea he prefers coffee. D) I love tea; the cup.
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2
Add the correct punctuation: I needed three things from the shop ___ milk, bread and eggs. I needed three things from the shop ___ milk, bread and eggs.
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3
True or false: A semicolon joins two complete sentences (independent clauses) without a conjunction. A semicolon joins two complete sentences (independent clauses) without a conjunction. A) True B) False
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4
Which punctuation should you use to introduce a list? A) Colon (:) B) Semicolon (;) C) Apostrophe (') D) Hyphen (-)
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5
Which sentence uses a colon correctly to introduce an explanation? A) There was only one option: leave. B) There was only one: option leave. C) There was only: one option leave. D) There was only one option leave:
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6
Add the correct punctuation: It rained all afternoon ___ the match was cancelled. It rained all afternoon ___ the match was cancelled.
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7
True or false: 'She was tired; she had been running all day.' is punctuated correctly. 'She was tired; she had been running all day.' is punctuated correctly. A) True B) False
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8
Add the correct punctuation to introduce the explanation: There was one reason for his success ___ hard work. There was one reason for his success ___ hard work.
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9
True or false: A colon can be used after an incomplete clause like 'My favourites are:'. A colon can be used after an incomplete clause like 'My favourites are:'. A) True B) False
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10
Which is correct for a list of complex items? A) I have three friends: Lily, who lives nearby; Tom, who plays football; and Mia, who paints. B) I have three friends, Lily who lives nearby, Tom who plays football, Mia who paints. C) I have three friends; Lily, who lives nearby; Tom, who plays football; Mia, who paints. D) I have three friends Lily who lives nearby Tom who plays football Mia who paints.
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Answer key

Semicolons and colons · for parents and teachers

1
I love tea; he prefers coffee.
A semicolon joins two independent clauses that could each stand alone. Both halves of the first option are complete sentences.
2
:
A colon (:) introduces a list after a complete clause.
3
True
True. Each side of a semicolon should be a complete sentence by itself - no joining word is needed.
4
Colon (:)
A colon (:) is used to introduce a list, explanation or quotation after a complete clause.
5
There was only one option: leave.
A colon can introduce an explanation or emphasise something. The clause before the colon must be complete.
6
;
A semicolon links two related independent clauses without a conjunction.
7
True
True. Both halves are complete sentences and closely related, so a semicolon is correct.
8
:
A colon introduces the explanation of what came before. The first part is a complete clause.
9
False
False. The clause before a colon should be complete. 'My favourites are' is not complete - it needs an object.
10
I have three friends: Lily, who lives nearby; Tom, who plays football; and Mia, who paints.
Use a colon to introduce, then semicolons to separate complex items.