English Grammar Test Punctuation Rules

Question 1

When should a comma be used before a coordinating conjunction?

Accepted Answer

When it joins two independent clauses

Answer

Never

Answer

Only in lists

Answer

Always

Question 2

What is the Oxford comma?

Accepted Answer

The optional comma placed before the final 'and' or 'or' in a list of three or more items

Answer

A comma used in British English only

Answer

A comma after a greeting

Answer

A comma at the end of a sentence

Question 3

When should a semicolon be used?

Accepted Answer

To join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction

Answer

Instead of a period in any sentence

Answer

After every noun

Answer

Only in formal writing

Question 4

What is the correct use of an apostrophe in possessives?

Accepted Answer

Add 's to singular nouns and s' to regular plural nouns

Answer

Add 's to all nouns

Answer

Apostrophes are never used in possessives

Answer

Add 's only to proper nouns

Question 5

When should you use a colon?

Accepted Answer

To introduce a list, explanation, or quotation after an independent clause

Answer

After any verb

Answer

Instead of a comma

Answer

Only in time expressions

Question 6

What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?

Accepted Answer

A hyphen joins words or parts of words; a dash separates parts of a sentence for emphasis or interruption

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

Dashes are longer hyphens used for the same purpose

Answer

Hyphens are used in formal writing; dashes in informal