1. Which statement about semicolons is inaccurate?
a.
Semicolons tell readers that two closely related ideas should be thought of together.
b.
The most basic use of the semicolon occurs in compound sentences.
c.
A semicolon is a weaker punctuation mark than a comma.
stronger punctuation mark than the comma, but it is not as strong as the period.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Knowledge
2. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
b.
c.
b
preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
3. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
We collected many signatures, then we submitted the petition.
b.
We collected many signatures; then we submitted the petition.
c.
We collected many signatures; then, we submitted the petition.
b
no comma is necessary after them.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
4. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Many employees will be facing layoffs, in the meantime, some are seeking retraining through the company’s
strong educational incentive.
b.
Standardized tests are often used by schools to measure student success; however, they are often criticized as
discriminating against minorities.
c.
Our Los Angeles office will be closing, therefore; employees must either retire, transfer to another branch, or
accept a severance package.
b
comma after it.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
5. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Beth however did not submit her hours by the deadline.
b.
Beth; however, did not submit her hours by the deadline.
c.
Beth, however, did not submit her hours by the deadline.
When a conjunctive adverb serves as a parenthetical adverb (however), set off the
parenthetical adverb with commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
6. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Learning effective communication skills, therefore, will increase your employment opportunities.
b.
Learning effective communication skills; therefore, will increase your employment opportunities.
c.
Learning effective communication skills; therefore will increase your employment opportunities.
Because the word therefore is used parenthetically in this sentence to interrupt the flow of
this independent clause, set off this parenthetical adverb with commas.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
7. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Customer service must be a priority of all employees ignoring our customer needs will surely put us out of
business.
b.
Customer service must be a priority of all employees, ignoring our customer needs will surely put us out of
business.
c.
Customer service must be a priority of all employees; ignoring our customer needs will surely put us out of
business.
c
the clauses creates a comma splice. A run-on sentence is created when no punctuation is
placed between the clauses.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
8. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Our summer sale begins tomorrow visit our website today for a sneak preview.
b.
Our summer sale begins tomorrow, visit our website today for a sneak preview.
c.
Our summer sale begins tomorrow; visit our website today for a sneak preview.
c
Two or more closely related independent clauses not separated by a conjunctive adverb or a
coordinating conjunction require a semicolon between the clauses.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
BLOOM’S: Application
9. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Many companies are struggling because of decreased sales Powertex is one company that has seen a 35
percent drop in revenue.
b.
Many companies are struggling because of decreased sales; Powertex is one company that has seen a 35
percent drop in revenue.
c.
Many companies are struggling because of decreased sales, Powertex is one company that has seen a 35
percent drop in revenue.
b
Because this sentence does not contain a conjunctive adverb or a coordinating conjunction
that joins the two independent clauses, use a semicolon between the two clauses.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-1 – 11-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
10. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Shipments have been made to Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas; and Reno, Nevada.
b.
Shipments have been made to Cincinnati, Ohio, Houston, Texas, and Reno, Nevada.
c.
Shipments have been made to Cincinnati; Ohio, Houston; Texas, and Reno; Nevada.
contain internal commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-2 – 11-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
11. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Chris researched, visited, and booked the location, Zach hired and supervised the caterers, and Stephanie
ordered and sent the invitations.
b.
Chris researched, visited, and booked the location; Zach hired and supervised the caterers; and Stephanie
ordered and sent the invitations.
c.
Chris researched, visited, and booked the location, Zach hired and supervised the caterers and Stephanie
ordered and sent the invitations.
b
contain internal commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-2 – 11-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
12. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Invitations to the meeting must be sent to Jill Harrison, president, XMI Technologies, Bill Kolstad, CEO,
Watson Manufacturing, and Ron Keys, sales consultant, Hotbot Solutions.
b.
Invitations to the meeting must be sent to Jill Harrison, president, XMI Technologies; Bill Kolstad, CEO,
Watson Manufacturing; and Ron Keys, sales consultant, Hotbot Solutions.
c.
Invitations to the meeting must be sent to Jill Harrison; president, XMI Technologies, Bill Kolstad; CEO,
Watson Manufacturing, and Ron Keys; sales consultant, Hotbot Solutions.
BENG.GUFF.17.11-2 – 11-2
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
13. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Special discounts were offered at the Holiday Inn, Clairemont Avenue, Embassy Suites, Lexington Parkway,
and Best Western, Riverfront Street.
b.
Special discounts were offered at the Holiday Inn; Clairemont Avenue, Embassy Suites; Lexington Parkway,
and Best Western; Riverfront Street.
c.
Special discounts were offered at the Holiday Inn, Clairemont Avenue; Embassy Suites, Lexington Parkway;
and Best Western, Riverfront Street.
commas. Therefore, separate each hotel name and its address with a comma, and place a
semicolon after each address.
BENG.GUFF.17.11-2 – 11-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
14. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The committee identified the problem, it discussed possible causes, and it developed a solution.
b.
The committee identified the problem; it discussed possible causes; and it developed a solution.
c.
The committee identified the problem it discussed possible causes and it developed a solution.
A series of short independent clauses should be separated by commas, not semicolons.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-2 – 11-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Semicolon
BLOOM’S: Application
15. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The plan is missing one key element; adequate funding.
b.
The plan is missing one key element adequate funding.
c.
The plan is missing one key element: adequate funding.
single item. Therefore, use a colon after the independent clause.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
16. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
A department manager often uses the following skills: direction, facilitation, and mediation.
b.
A department manager often uses the following skills, direction, facilitation, and mediation.
c.
A department manager often uses the following skills; direction, facilitation, and mediation.
A list is usually introduced by such words as the following, as follows, these, or thus.
1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
17. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
These are the traits that will help you be promoted: a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and
integrity.
b.
These are the traits that will help you be promoted, a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and
integrity.
c.
These are the traits that will help you be promoted; a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and
integrity.
a
Because an independent clause containing the introductory expression These introduces a list
of items in this sentence, use a colon after the independent clause.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
18. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
A number of biotech firms are represented, Amgen, Genentech, Genzyme, and ImClone Systems.
b.
A number of biotech firms are represented Amgen, Genentech, Genzyme, and ImClone Systems.
c.
A number of biotech firms are represented: Amgen, Genentech, Genzyme, and ImClone Systems.
c
colon before the list of items.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
19. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The individuals responsible for overseeing the new customer service plan will be: Karen Kohler, Tom
Huffcutt, and Don Kite.
b.
The individuals responsible for overseeing the new customer service plan will be Karen Kohler, Tom Huffcutt,
and Don Kite.
c.
The individuals responsible for overseeing the new customer service plan will be; Karen Kohler, Tom
Huffcutt, and Don Kite.
b
might be easiest to remember that lists introduced by verbs (will be) or prepositions require
no colons because the introductory statement is incomplete.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
20. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Wireless plan information has been received from Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
b.
Wireless plan information has been received from: Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
c.
Wireless plan information has been received from, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
an independent clause. In addition, remember that a colon generally does not follow a
preposition (from).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
21. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The employees who will be attending the conference are: Jeff Jenson, Paula Hendrickson, and Steven Mayer.
b.
My favorite pasttimes include: gardening, golfing, and cooking.
c.
Theresa uses these social networking sites in the job-search process: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
remember not to use a colon after a verb (are, include).
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
22. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The introduction of a speech should include these parts: an attention getter, a thesis, a personal credibility
statement, and a preview of the main points.
b.
Questions about the new wellness incentive were raised by: Lisa, Jackie, and Andrew.
c.
Community recognition awards were presented to: Spectrum Industries, Data Solutions, and Five-Star
Graphics.
a
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
23. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Send checks to these employees: Their payments are long overdue.
Tracey Barry Juan Gonzalez
Cathy Overby James DeLoach
b.
Send checks to these employees. Their payments are long overdue.
Tracey Barry Juan Gonzalez
Cathy Overby James DeLoach
c.
Send checks to these employees. Their payments are long overdue:
Tracey Barry Juan Gonzalez
Cathy Overby James DeLoach
b
between the introductory statement (Send checks to these employees) and the list.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-3 – 11-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
BLOOM’S: Application
24. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Barack Obama said “Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers
by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career.”
b.
Barack Obama said, “Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers
by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career.”
c.
Barack Obama said: “Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers
by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career.”
Long one-sentence quotations should be introduced by a colon, not a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
25. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
In The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger said “I’ll be back.”
b.
In The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “I’ll be back.”
c.
In The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger said: “I’ll be back.”
b
Short quotations should be introduced with a comma; long one-sentence quotations and
quotations of two or more sentences should be introduced with a colon.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
26. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Lou Holtz said, “All winning teams are goal-oriented. Teams like these win consistently because everyone
connected with them concentrates on specific objectives.”
b.
Lou Holtz said: “All winning teams are goal-oriented. Teams like these win consistently because everyone
connected with them concentrates on specific objectives.”
c.
Lou Holtz said; “All winning teams are goal-oriented. Teams like these win consistently because everyone
connected with them concentrates on specific objectives.”
b
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
27. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Michael Jordan said: “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up.
Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
b.
Donald Trump said: “Sometimes your best investments are the ones you don’t make.”
c.
Hillary Clinton said: “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.”
Commas should introduce short quotations.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
28. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The commencement speaker encouraged us to: “dream big” as we entered the job force.
b.
The commencement speaker encouraged us to, “Dream big” as we entered the job force.
c.
The commencement speaker encouraged us to “dream big” as we entered the job force.
Incomplete quotations not interrupting the flow of a sentence require no colon, no comma,
and no initial capital letter.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
29. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Many companies are facing a serious crisis: their sales have decreased .
b.
Many companies are facing a serious crisis, their sales have decreased.
c.
Many companies are facing a serious crisis their sales have decreased.
a
supplements the first. In this sentence the second clause identifies the crisis.
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
30. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
In order to succeed in college, students must possess a key skill they need to use good time-management
techniques.
b.
In order to succeed in college, students must possess a key skill, they need to use good time-management
techniques.
c.
In order to succeed in college, students must possess a key skill: they need to use good time-management
techniques.
c
explains, illustrates, or supplements the first clause by revealing the key skill.
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-4 – 11-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon
BLOOM’S: Application
31. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The company is considering expanding its operations to selected South American markets, for instance, Brazil,
Venezuela, and Chile.
b.
The company is considering expanding its operations to selected South American markets; for instance, Brazil,
Venezuela, and Chile.
c.
The company is considering expanding its operations to selected South American markets; for instance Brazil,
Venezuela, and Chile.
Because a series follows the introductory expression for instance, use a semicolon before the
introductory expression and a comma after it.
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Semicolons
BLOOM’S: Application
32. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Two important issues keep the two sides divided, namely, salary and benefits.
b.
Two important issues keep the two sides divided; namely, salary and benefits.
c.
Two important issues keep the two sides divided: namely, salary and benefits.
a
following this expression is not a series or an independent clause. As a result, use a comma
before and after this introductory expression.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-5 – 11-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Semicolons
BLOOM’S: Application
33. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The Web has changed how individuals access information in many areas: e.g., government, banking, and
retail.
b.
The Web has changed how individuals access information in many areas, e.g., government, banking, and
retail.
c.
The Web has changed how individuals access information in many areas; e.g., government, banking, and
retail.
c
The introductory expression for example can be abbreviated e.g. As a result, use a semicolon
before the abbreviation and a comma after it because it is followed by a series.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-5 – 11-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Semicolons
BLOOM’S: Application
34. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
Many Americans are fighting back against unsolicited “robo” telemarketing calls, that is, consumers are
blocking all auto dialed calls.
b.
Many Americans are fighting back against unsolicited “robo” telemarketing calls that is consumers are
blocking all auto dialed calls.
c.
Many Americans are fighting back against unsolicited “robo” telemarketing calls; that is, consumers are
blocking all auto dialed calls.
The introductory expression that is should be preceded by a semicolon and followed by a
comma because it introduces an independent clause.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-5 – 11-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Semicolons
BLOOM’S: Application
35. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
The meeting agenda identified two managers who would present their budget plans; namely, John Franks and
Carol Craigan.
b.
The new plan must address our concerns, for instance, how can the company raise product prices during a time
of decreasing customer loyalty?
c.
The business office received bids for the new geothermal heating and cooling system from three out–of-state
companies; that is, Bartingale Mechanical, TDS Engineering, and MEP Associates.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-5 – 11-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Semicolons
BLOOM’S: Application
36. When using mixed punctuation in a business letter, which of the following salutations would be correct?
a.
Dear Ms. Bates,
b.
Dear Ms. Bates:
c.
Dear Ms. Bates
b
Colons are placed after the salutation of a business letter when mixed punctuation is used.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
37. Which website address is expressed correctly?
a.
http://google.com
b.
http//google.com
a
1
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
38. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
a.
My alarm clock rang at 6;05 p.m. instead of 6;05 a.m.
b.
My alarm clock rang at 6:05 p.m. instead of 6:05 a.m.
b
1
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
39. Which book title and subtitle are most logically punctuated?
a.
The article Mastering the On–Site Interview, A Guide to Company Visits is a must read for recent college
graduates.
b.
The article Mastering the On–Site Interview; A Guide to Company Visits is a must read for recent college
graduates.
c.
The article Mastering the On–Site Interview: A Guide to Company Visits is a must read for recent college
graduates.
c
1
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
40. Which book title and subtitle are most logically punctuated?
a.
I just finished reading the book Success Built to Last, Creating a Life That Matters.
b.
I just finished reading the book Success Built to Last: Creating a Life That Matters.
c.
I just finished reading the book Success Built to Last; Creating a Life That Matters.
b
Place a colon between titles and subtitles of books.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
41. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
Good public speakers follow four steps when presenting claims: Signpost the idea, state the idea, support the
idea, and summarize the idea.
b.
Good public speakers follow four steps when presenting claims; signpost the idea, state the idea, support the
idea, and summarize the idea.
c.
Good public speakers follow four steps when presenting claims: signpost the idea, state the idea, support the
idea, and summarize the idea.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
42. Which idea is expressed correctly?
a.
The most common consumer complaints involve the following:
• Identity theft
• Debt collection
• Imposter scams
b.
The most common consumer complaints involve the following
• Identity theft
• Debt collection
• Imposter scams
c.
The most common consumer complaints involve the following:
• identity theft.
• debt collection.
• imposter scams.
items are complete sentences.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Uses of the Colon and Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
43. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
The United States faces a serious problem: its global image has worsened.
b.
The United States faces a serious problem: Its global image has worsened.
c.
The United States faces a serious problem, its global image has worsened.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
44. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
The five M’s used to examine accidents in the transportation field are the following: Man, machine, medium,
mission, and management.
b.
These individuals were the highest paid actors in 2014 according to Forbes: Robert Downey Jr., Dwayne
Johnson, and Bradley Cooper.
c.
Many new-vehicle owners can now enjoy a special feature: They can use Wi–Fi to connect their smart devices
and vehicles to the Internet.
b
first word after the colon is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun.
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
45. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
A well-known document designer has one cardinal rule: Limit your design to four colors.
b.
A well-known document designer has one cardinal rule: limit your design to four colors.
c.
A well-known document designer has one cardinal rule limit your design to four colors.
a
first clause, use a colon between the two clauses, and capitalize the first letter of the second
clause because it states a formal rule or principle as a complete sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.11-6 – 11-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Uses of Colons
BLOOM’S: Application
46. Because Mackenzie did not listen to the ____ of her adviser, she will not graduate from college in four years.
a.
advice
b.
advise
a
The word advise is a verb meaning “to counsel or recommend.” However, in this sentence the
correct word is the noun advice, which means “a suggestion or recommendation.”
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.N/A – N/A
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
47. According to my college’s website, all financial aid will be ____ on Friday.
a.
disbursed
b.
dispersed
a
1
Easy
48. The architecture of our ____ is stunning.
a.
capital
b.
capitol
b
1
Easy
49. Do you think he meant to ____ that benefits might be reduced?
a.
infer
b.
imply
b
1
Easy
50. As the ____ of the apartment, Megan pays her rent on the first day of each month.
a.
lessee
b.
lessor
a
1
Easy