Sentence Structure and Punctuation Quiz
Preview:
Select the sentence that correctly uses commas with an introductory element.
A. Before the movie starts, let’s get some popcorn.
B. Before the movie starts let’s get some popcorn.
C. Before, the movie starts let’s get some popcorn.
D. Before the movie, starts let’s get some popcorn.
Select the correct use of a semicolon in the sentence.
A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.
B. I have a big test tomorrow, I can’t go out tonight.
C. I have a big test tomorrow I can’t go out tonight.
D. I have a big test; tomorrow I can’t go out tonight.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a dash.
A. I need to buy the following – eggs, milk, and bread.
B. I need – to buy the following eggs, milk, and bread.
C. I need to buy – the following eggs, milk, and bread.
D. I need to buy the following eggs, milk, and bread.
Which sentence correctly demonstrates the use of a complex sentence?
A. Because it was late, we decided to go home.
B. It was late we decided to go home.
C. It was late, we decided to go home.
D. Because it was late we decided, to go home.
Identify the dependent clause in the following sentence: “Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.”
A. Although it was raining
B. we decided to go hiking
C. it was raining
D. to go hiking
Which sentence correctly uses dashes to emphasize an interruption?
A. I need you—to finish this—by tomorrow.
B. I need—you to finish this—by tomorrow.
C. I need you to finish this—by tomorrow.
D. I need you to finish—this by tomorrow.
Which option correctly combines the following sentences into one complex sentence using a semicolon and conjunctive adverb? “She studied hard. She still didn’t pass the test.”
A. She studied hard; however, she still didn’t pass the test.
B. She studied hard however; she still didn’t pass the test.
C. She studied hard; however she still didn’t pass the test.
D. She studied hard, however; she still didn’t pass the test.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a dash to indicate a sudden change in thought or tone.
A. I don’t know—I haven’t decided yet.
B. I don’t know I haven’t decided yet.
C. I don’t know, I haven’t decided yet.
D. I don’t know; I haven’t decided yet.
Which sentence correctly uses commas for items in a series?
A. We need to buy eggs, milk and bread.
B. We need to buy eggs milk, and bread.
C. We need to buy eggs, milk, and bread.
D. We need, to buy eggs, milk and bread.
Identify the sentence that correctly uses commas to set off a non-essential clause.
A. My brother, who is a doctor, lives in New York.
B. My brother who is a doctor lives in New York.
C. My brother who is a doctor, lives in New York.
D. My brother, who is a doctor lives in New York.
Which option correctly uses a transitional phrase to connect two ideas?
A. He was hungry, however, he didn’t eat.
B. He was hungry; however, he didn’t eat.
C. He was hungry however, he didn’t eat.
D. He was hungry. However he didn’t eat.
Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?
A. After the show, we went to a cafe, that serves the best pie.
B. After the show we went to a cafe that serves the best pie.
C. After the show, we went to a cafe, that serves, the best pie.
D. After the show, we went to a cafe that serves the best pie.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb.
A. She was not feeling well; therefore, she decided to stay home.
B. She was not feeling well, therefore; she decided to stay home.
C. She was not feeling well therefore; she decided to stay home.
D. She was not feeling well; therefore she decided to stay home.
Select the sentence that correctly uses transitional phrases.
A. Consequently, he missed the bus he was late to school.
B. He missed the bus; consequently, he was late to school.
C. He missed the bus, consequently he was late to school.
D. He missed the bus. Consequently he was late to school.
Identify the independent clause in the sentence: “If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.”
A. If you finish your homework
B. you can watch TV
C. If you finish
D. you can watch
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a comma to separate an introductory phrase.
A. After a long day at work, I like to relax.
B. After a long day at work I like to relax.
C. After, a long day at work, I like to relax.
D. After a long day, at work I like to relax.
What is the function of the dash in this sentence? “My friend—always up for an adventure—agreed to join me.”
A. To add a list
B. To introduce a summary
C. To set off an explanatory remark
D. To indicate stuttering
Which option correctly combines the following sentences into one complex sentence? “The game was postponed. It was raining.”
A. The game was postponed it was raining.
B. The game was postponed, because it was raining.
C. The game, it was postponed, it was raining.
D. It was raining, the game was postponed.
Identify the correct placement of commas in a complex sentence.
A. After dinner, we went for a walk, although it was cold.
B. After dinner we went for a walk, although it was cold.
C. After dinner, we went for a walk although, it was cold.
D. After dinner we went for a walk although it was cold.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.
A. She loves books; she goes to the library weekly.
B. She loves books, she goes to the library weekly.
C. She loves books she goes to the library weekly.
D. She loves; books she goes to the library weekly.