English Grammar Test Punctuation Rules 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The store was closed; we had to leave.

Answer

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 2

Where should an apostrophe be placed in the word 'its' to show possession?

Accepted Answer

its

Answer

The possessive 'its' never takes an apostrophe; 'it's' is only a contraction of 'it is.'

Question 3

Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

Accepted Answer

The meeting covered three topics: budget, staffing, and timelines.

Answer

A colon should follow a complete independent clause before introducing a list.

Question 4

How should a direct quotation be punctuated at the end when followed by a dialogue tag?

Accepted Answer

"Come here," she said.

Answer

A comma (not a period) separates a direct quotation from its dialogue tag when the tag follows.

Question 5

Which option correctly punctuates a list of three or more items using the Oxford comma?

Accepted Answer

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Answer

The Oxford comma is placed before the final 'and' in a series of three or more items.

English Grammar Test Practice Test