Exercise 3: Semicolons | Practice Test Online

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

(A) After school he played soccer; his favorite sport.

(B) The cat meowed loudly; while chasing the mouse.

(C) She went to the store; bought apples and oranges.

(D) They visited the museum; learned about ancient civilizations.

Correct Answer: 1D

Question 2:  In which sentence is a semicolon used incorrectly?

(A) She loves to cook; pasta salads and soups are her specialties.

(B) He went to the gym; to work out and lift weights.

(C) The rain stopped; the sun came out.

(D) They decided to watch a movie; before going out for dinner.

Correct Answer: 2A

Question 3:  What purpose does the semicolon serve in the sentence: 'The storm passed; leaving behind a trail of destruction.'?

(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: 3A

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

(A) He enjoys reading novels; in the evening.

(B) She played the piano; her favorite instrument.

(C) They went for a walk; in the park.

(D) He cooked dinner; while she set the table.

Correct Answer: 4C

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 sentence requires a semicolon for correct punctuation?

(A) They planned to go hiking; after finishing their work.

(B) She loves to sing; when she's feeling happy.

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

(D) We should go for a picnic; at the beach.

Correct Answer: 6A

Question 7:  In the sentence, 'He left early; the meeting ran longer than expected,' 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 gardening; planting flowers and vegetables.

(B) He went for a run; in the morning.

(C) They went to the zoo; to see the animals.

(D) She was tired; she decided to take a nap.

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) She loves to swim; especially in the ocean.

(B) He enjoys watching movies; with his friends on weekends.

(C) The party was fun; they danced all night.

(D) He didn't like the food; he left the restaurant.

Correct Answer: 10D