ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?

Accepted Answer

The rain stopped; we went outside to play.

Answer

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."

Accepted Answer

;

Answer

A semicolon precedes a conjunctive adverb like 'however' joining two independent clauses.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly punctuates an introductory dependent clause?

Accepted Answer

Because she studied hard, she passed.

Answer

A comma follows an introductory dependent clause before the main clause.

Question 4

Identify the sentence with a correctly punctuated nonessential clause.

Accepted Answer

My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting.

Answer

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."?

Accepted Answer

The store was closed, so we drove home.

Answer

Adding a coordinating conjunction after the comma fixes the comma splice.

ACT Practice Test