ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?
- The rain stopped; we went outside to play. (Correct answer)
- The rain stopped; and we went outside.
- Although the rain stopped; we stayed inside.
- The rain stopped; quickly and quietly.
Correct answer: The rain stopped; we went outside to play.
A semicolon joins two complete independent clauses without a conjunction.
Question 2: Choose the correct punctuation: "The committee reviewed the proposal ___ however, it rejected the budget."
- , and
- ; (Correct answer)
- ,
- :
Correct answer: ;
A semicolon precedes a conjunctive adverb like 'however' joining two independent clauses.
Question 3: Which sentence correctly punctuates an introductory dependent clause?
- Because she studied hard she passed.
- Because she studied hard, she passed. (Correct answer)
- Because she studied hard; she passed.
- Because, she studied hard she passed.
Correct answer: Because she studied hard, she passed.
A comma follows an introductory dependent clause before the main clause.
Question 4: Identify the sentence with a correctly punctuated nonessential clause.
- My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting. (Correct answer)
- My brother who lives in Texas, is visiting.
- My brother, who lives in Texas is visiting.
- My brother who lives in Texas is visiting,
Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting.
Nonessential clauses are set off by commas on both sides.
Question 5: Which option correctly fixes this comma splice: "The store was closed, we drove home."?
- The store was closed we drove home.
- The store was closed, so we drove home. (Correct answer)
- The store was closed, we, drove home.
- The store was closed: we drove home.
Correct answer: The store was closed, so we drove home.
Adding a coordinating conjunction after the comma fixes the comma splice.
Question 6: Choose the correct punctuation: "She wanted three things ___ patience, courage, and luck."
- ;
- : (Correct answer)
- ,
- —and
Correct answer: :
A colon introduces a list after a complete independent clause.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses a comma before a coordinating conjunction?
- I packed lunch, and headed out.
- I packed lunch and, headed out.
- I packed lunch, and I headed out. (Correct answer)
- I packed, lunch and I headed out.
Correct answer: I packed lunch, and I headed out.
A comma before 'and' is needed when it joins two independent clauses.
ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases 2
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?