Exercise 2: Semicolons | Practice Test Online

Question 1:  Which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct usage of a semicolon?

(A) She enjoys playing the piano; it's her favorite instrument.

(B) The dog barked loudly; chasing after the ball.

(C) He didn't know the answer; therefore he remained silent.

(D) They went to the beach; and swam in the ocean.

Correct Answer: 1A

Question 2:  In which of the following sentences is a semicolon used incorrectly?

(A) He wanted to visit Paris; however he couldn't afford the trip.

(B) The sky turned dark; it started raining.

(C) She loves to read; especially mystery novels.

(D) They planned to go hiking; taking plenty of water with them.

Correct Answer: 2C

Question 3:  What role does the semicolon play in the sentence: 'We need to buy groceries; milk,bread, and eggs.'?

(A) To join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

(B) To separate items in a list.

(C) To join a dependent clause to an independent clause.

(D) To indicate a pause in a sentence.

Correct Answer: 3B

Question 4:  Which sentence demonstrates a proper use of a semicolon?

(A) The students studied hard; they passed the exam.

(B) She went shopping; buying clothes and shoes.

(C) He cooked dinner; she set the table.

(D) They decided to watch a movie; then went out for dinner.

Correct Answer: 4A

Question 5:  When should you avoid using a semicolon?

(A) When separating two closely related independent clauses.

(B) When separating items in a list containing internal punctuation.

(C) When joining two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

(D) When indicating a pause in a sentence.

Correct Answer: 5D

Question 6:  Which of the following sentences requires a semicolon for correct punctuation?

(A) She loves to dance; she finds it exhilarating.

(B) He enjoys reading novels; in his free time.

(C) They visited the museum; learning about history.

(D) We should go for a walk; after dinner.

Correct Answer: 6A

Question 7:  In the sentence, 'He had to leave early; there was an emergency,' what is the function of the semicolon?

(A) To join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

(B) To separate items in a list.

(C) To join a dependent clause to an independent clause.

(D) To end a sentence.

Correct Answer: 7A

Question 8:  Which of the following is NOT a correct use of a semicolon?

(A) She enjoys painting; landscapes portraits and still life.

(B) They went hiking; through the forest spotting wildlife.

(C) He loves playing basketball; every weekend with his friends.

(D) She was tired; she went to bed early.

Correct Answer: 8C

Question 9:  When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

(A) To separate items in a list.

(B) To join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

(C) To indicate a pause in a sentence.

(D) To join a dependent clause to an independent clause.

Correct Answer: 9B

Question 10:  Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated with a semicolon?

(A) They decided to go shopping; for groceries clothes and gifts.

(B) He enjoys photography; capturing beautiful moments.

(C) The weather was perfect; they decided to have a picnic.

(D) She didn't like the movie; she left early.

Correct Answer: 10D