Quiz for Lessons 381 - 385 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. I am looking for the poem "The Path Not Taken" I need it tomorrow.

2. Jim sings bass Jeff, tenor.

3. I have visited Riverside, California, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Butte, Montana.

4. I will steal, cheat, and lie for you but I will not kill for you.

5. There was a sudden noise everything stopped immediately.

6. Although we may need more time, I believe we will be victorious and I believe you feel that way, too.

7. We can trust him implicitly nevertheless, we should not be careless.

8. The house looked like what we wanted on the other hand, we had not been inside.

9. I had food, clothing, and furniture but I didn't have my family.

10. He was such a "klutz" I couldn't stand him.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I am looking for the poem "The Path Not Taken"; I need it tomorrow.

2. Jim sings bass; Jeff, tenor.

3. I have visited Riverside, California; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Butte, Montana.

4. I will steal, cheat, and lie for you; but I will not kill for you.

5. There was a sudden noise; everything stopped immediately.

6. Although we may need more time, I believe we will be victorious; and I believe you feel that way, too.

7. We can trust him implicitly; nevertheless, we should not be careless.

8. The house looked like what we wanted; on the other hand, we had not been inside.

9. I had food, clothing, and furniture; but I didn't have my family.

10. He was such a "klutz"; I couldn't stand him.

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Lesson 383 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that introduces a clause in a compound sentence.

Common conjunctive adverbs are therefore, nevertheless, moreover, consequently, furthermore, besides, then, thus, instead, accordingly, otherwise, so, yet, still, hence, however. 

 

Example: 

Jill knew she could not win; nevertheless, she kept running.

Explanatory expressions (for example, namely, on the contrary, in fact, that is, on the other hand) are used similarly as conjunctive adverbs with a semicolon preceding them and a comma following. 

 

Example: 

The weather was wonderful; in fact, it was the best weather for a month.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. I have not heard the latest comments therefore, I cannot render an opinion.

2. Our children have traveled throughout the world for example, Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Russia.

3. In Brazil we have seen many places on the other hand, we have never been to Africa.

4. We plan to return some day to Brazil therefore, we want to visit Rio, Sao Paulo, and Manaus.

5. Barbara is a diligent student she, in fact, is tops in her class.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I have not heard the latest comments; therefore, I cannot render an opinion.

2. Our children have traveled throughout the world; for example, Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Russia.

3. In Brazil we have seen many places; on the other hand, we have never been to Africa.

4. We plan to return some day to Brazil; therefore, we want to visit Rio, Sao Paulo, and Manaus.

5. Barbara is a diligent student; she, in fact, is tops in her class.

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Lesson 382 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon between the two independent clauses of a compound sentence joined by a co-ordinate conjunction if commas are also used in the sentence. 

 

Example: 

Although the story is impossible, I believe you; and the others will, too.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Since you asked my opinion, I will tell you and I hope you will listen well.

2. Although he is highly qualified, he is not dependable and I am afraid to hire him.

3. Because Sarah is absent a great deal, she has a hard time keeping up but she is willing to work overtime.

4. Although I prefer English, I know that math is important and I will work hard in both classes.

5. When you arrive on the train, take a taxi to the bus station or I can meet you at the train.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Since you asked my opinion, I will tell you; and I hope you will listen well.

2. Although he is highly qualified, he is not dependable; and I am afraid to hire him.

3. Because Sarah is absent a great deal, she has a hard time keeping up; but she is willing to work overtime.

4. Although I prefer English, I know that math is important; and I will work hard in both classes.

5. When you arrive on the train, take a taxi to the bus station; or I can meet you at the train.

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Lesson 381 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon between two independent clauses of a compound sentence when they are not joined by a co-ordinate conjunction. 

 

Example: 

There was a sudden silence; everyone was stunned by the outcome.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Carl is tall his brother is short.

2. He knocked several times no one came to the door.

3. The siren blew loudly I rushed to the window the police raced pass as I looked out.

4. I waited several hours for you you did not return I became concerned.

5. My sister loves mysteries my brother likes technical manuals.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Carl is tall; his brother is short.

2. He knocked several times; no one came to the door.

3. The siren blew loudly; I rushed to the window; the police raced past as I looked out.

4. I waited several hours for you; you did not return; I became concerned.

5. My sister loves mysteries; my brother likes technical manuals.

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Lesson 366 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma before the co-ordinate conjunctions that join independent clauses in a compound sentence. Very short clauses joined by and may omit the comma.

 

Examples: 

Harry will leave on the next flight, but you will join him in a week. 

You wash and I will dry.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. She walked and he ran.

2. I went to New York by train but I returned by plane.

3. I neither like you nor will I assist you in your request.

4. He will have to help or the project will not be completed.

5. The boss will be here tomorrow and we will ask for a raise.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. She walked and he ran. (no comma needed, but you would not be wrong to use one after walked)

2. I went to New York by train, but I returned by plane.

3. I neither like you, nor will I assist you in your request.

4. He will have to help, or the project will not be completed.

5. The boss will be here tomorrow, and we will ask for a raise.

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Quiz for Lessons 361 - 365 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Within the business was in turmoil.

2. Matthew is going to law school; John to the Air Force.

3. To Jim Ryan is a hero.

4. I like Halloween; Mother Thanksgiving; Barbara Christmas.

5. The antique which avoided being broken for many years was given to my grandmother by George Washington.

6. An apple not an orange keeps the doctor away.

7. We are still going on the hike aren't we?

8. The letter sent through the mail changed the course of the war.

9. You really like her don't you!

10. A person's personality not his looks really is important in a husband.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Within, the business was in turmoil.

2. Matthew is going to law school; John, to the Air Force.

3. To Jim, Ryan is a hero.

4. I like Halloween; Mother, Thanksgiving; Barbara, Christmas.

5. The antique, which avoided being broken for many years, was given to my grandmother by George Washington.

6. An apple, not an orange, keeps the doctor away.

7. We are still going on the hike, aren't we?

8. The letter, sent through the mail, changed the course of the war.

9. You really like her, don't you!

10. A person's personality, not his looks, really is important in a husband.

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Lesson 362 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma when words are omitted from parallel clauses in a compound sentence. 

 

Example: 

Mother baked an apple pie, and Aunt Gayle, a chocolate cake.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Fred asked the question; Sarah the answer.

2. I like classical music; my wife country music.

3. Ann graduated from Utah State University, and Boyd Arizona State University.

4. This box has the books, and that box the recordings.

5. Stephanie told a funny story; Alaina a scary one.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Fred asked the question; Sarah, the answer.

2. I like classical music; my wife, country music.

3. Ann graduated from Utah State University, and Boyd, Arizona State University.

4. This box has the books, and that box, the recordings.

5. Stephanie told a funny story; Alaina, a scary one.

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Lesson 295 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

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A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.

 

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.) A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

Instructions: The following sentences are either a simple sentence, a compound sentence, a complex sentence, or a compound/complex sentence. Identify the sentences telling what kind each is.

1. None of the other jurors asked me to change my mind.

2. Barbara and Jeanne whispered and giggled all night.

3. That he is my cousin cannot be denied.

4. The boy who is speaking is my brother, and he will be staying with us.

5. I know you don't like him, but that doesn't matter.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. simple

2. simple

3. complex

4. compound/complex

5. compound/complex

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Lesson 294 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

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A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.

 

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.) A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

Instructions: The following sentences are either a simple sentence, a compound sentence, a complex sentence, or a compound/complex sentence. Identify the sentences telling what kind each is.

1. Jim and his friend Ryan had planned to return to Canada.

2. Although we searched everywhere, Curtis could find no trace of his shoes.

3. Alaina wrote an original poem, and her mother corrected her spelling.

4. Since he was entrusted with the secret, Fred became very serious, and he was no longer a practical joker.

5. The real story is that he was injured while he was hiking.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. simple

2. complex

3. compound

4. compound/complex

5. complex

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Lesson 249 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound Sentences

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A clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is always used as some part of speech. It can be an adjective, adverb, or noun. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. It does not have a subject and a verb. It can be a noun, adjective, or adverb. We have studied the following phrases: prepositional, gerund, participial, and infinitive.

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.)  A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Example: 

She talks and he listens.

The conjunction should express the proper relationship between the clauses. And joins ideas of equal importance. Or joins clauses that express alternatives. Nor joins negative ideas together. But joins clauses that express contrasting ideas.

Do not confuse a compound sentence with a simple sentence having compound parts. Both sides of the conjunction will have a subject and a verb in a compound sentence.

 

Example: 

Mother baked a cake and I frosted it.

Instructions: Tell whether the following sentences are compound sentences or not. If they are not, tell which compound part they are.

1. The girl just sat there but said nothing.

2. I looked for the book, but I could not find it.

3. Jeff must have arrived safely, or we would have been notified.

4. One of my friends and his dad have flown to Brazil.

5. Everyone was playing or swimming in the pool.

6. Suddenly the rain poured down, and the party was ruined.

7. We will vacation in the Black Hills or at Waterton.

8. I haven't heard from Becky, nor do I expect a call soon.

9. I climbed the tree and looked in the bird's nest.

10. She planned to read the letter, but it could not be found.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The girl just sat there but said nothing.

- compound verb

2. I looked for the book, but I could not find it.

- compound sentence

3. Jeff must have arrived safely, or we would have been notified.

- compound sentence

4. One of my friends and his dad have flown to Brazil.

- compound subject

5. Everyone was playing or swimming in the pool.

- compound verb

6. Suddenly the rain poured down, and the party was ruined.

- compound sentence

7. We will vacation in the Black Hills or at Waterton.

- compound object of the preposition

8. I haven't heard from Becky, nor do I expect a call soon.

- compound sentence

9. I climbed the tree and looked in the bird's nest.

- compound verb

10. She planned to read the letter, but it could not be found.

- compound sentence

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Lesson 248 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound Sentences

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A clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is always used as some part of speech. It can be an adjective, adverb, or noun. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. It does not have a subject and a verb. It can be a noun, adjective, or adverb. We have studied the following phrases: prepositional, gerund, participial, and infinitive.

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.)  A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Example: 

She talks and he listens.

The conjunction should express the proper relationship between the clauses. And joins ideas of equal importance. Or joins clauses that express alternatives. Nor joins negative ideas together. But joins clauses that express contrasting ideas.

Instructions: Combine the following sentences using the appropriate co-ordinate conjunctions, and, but, or, and nor.

1. Mother wanted to watch the movie. Dad wanted to see the wrestling.

2. You must remember your password. You cannot log on.

3. I wanted to walk across the river. The ice was too thin.

4. It was a warm, beautiful day. My desires matched the day perfectly.

5. You did not help your brother. He doesn't expect you to help him.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Mother wanted to watch the movie, but Dad wanted to see the wrestling.

2. You must remember your password, or you cannot log on.

3. I wanted to walk across the river, but the ice was too thin.

4. It was a warm, beautiful day, and my desires matched the day perfectly.

5. You did not help your brother, nor does he expect you to do so.

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Lesson 247 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound Sentences

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A clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is always used as some part of speech. It can be an adjective, adverb, or noun. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. It does not have a subject and a verb. It can be a noun, adjective, or adverb. We have studied the following phrases: prepositional, gerund, participial, and infinitive.

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.)  A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Example: 

She talks and he listens. 

Instructions: Tell if the following sentences are good combinations.

1. Mr. Jones is a very short man, but he walks with an air of authority.

2. Today has been very warm, and I have some English lessons to write.

3. I have again been to Mexico, but I don't expect to return soon.

4. My dog is a short, stupid-looking dog, but he is very smart.

5. The mail comes about noon each day, and I need to weed the flowers.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. a good combination

2. a poor combination

3. a good combination

4. a good combination

5. a poor combination

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