Punctuation Pattern Test
It's really time for me to leave, and yet there are still so many things I'd like to do; next year I think, I'll spend and extra week. Which of the following punctuation marks is used incorrectly in the sentence above?
The comma after the word "think" Yes - The comma should not be used in the middle of an independent clause like this. The semicolon after the word "do" No - This an appropriate use of a semicolon separating two independent clauses. The apostrophe in the word "It's" No - This is an appropriate use of an apostrophe to form a contraction. The comma after the word "and" No - This is an appropriate use of a comma before the conjunction.
Here's what I'd like you to bring tomorrow ____ two dozen cupcakes, a carton of milk, and party napkins. Which of the following punctuation marks best completes the sentence above?
; No - A semicolon should not be used to separate an independent and dependent clause. . No - A period here would create two separate sentences, which is incorrect. : Yes - A colon should be used here to introduce a list. No - While a comma can be used to separate dependent and independent clauses, it is not the best way for indicating a list.
Which of the following examples is the correct way for punctuating this quotation?
"I'm not going to spoil my appetite, said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookie away." No - The quotation marks should only go around the direct quotes not the entire sentence. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite" said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookie away. No - There should be a comma before the end quotation mark. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite," said Philip, "as he pushed the plate of cookie away." No - The second part of the sentence is not a quote and does not contain quotation marks. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite," said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookie away. Yes - This quotation is correctly punctuated by including a comma before the end quotation mark that leads to non-quotation text.
Which of the following is correctly punctuated compound sentence?
It took Desiree 5 years; but she finally completed her microbiology dissertation. No - A comma, not a semicolon, should be used before a conjunction separating two independent clauses. The pianist decided to play something dramatic, and soulful. No - This is not a compound sentence, and there should be no comma before "and." I love all kinds of scented candles, and yesterday I found one that smells like licorice. Yes! The cat curled up in the sunshine and when the sun set he finally walked away. No - This sentence has two independent clauses, so a comma should be before the word "and."
Which of the sentences is punctuated correctly?
One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco California, and I'll never forget my trip there from June 2011. No - There should be a comma between city and state. One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco, California and I'll never forget my trip there from June 2011. No - There should be a comma before the word "and" because it separates two independent clauses. One of my favorite places to visit is San Francisco, California, and I'll never forget my trip there from June, 2011. Yes - No comma is necessary to separate the month and the year when not referring to a specific date.
