Tag: punctuation

Questions Related to punctuation


Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part.

Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens, avoided the open-air areas on account of the rains.

comma punctuation english

  1. Visitors who usually enjoy the gardens

  2. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens,

  3. Visitors, who usually enjoy the gardens

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, when descriptive information is found within, rather than at the end of a sentence, it should be set off with a pair of commas. 
In the given sentence, the phrase 'who usually enjoy the gardens' is the descriptive information. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

How we are to acquire three new players in a week, is the big question.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

comma punctuation english

  1. week is

  2. week - is

  3. week; is

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
In our usual speech patterns, we sometimes place clauses in a particular manner for greater emphasis. So, in writing a comma is required for a pause at the place of emphasis. Thus, the correct answer is Option D, no change.
Option A is incorrect, as it does not include the required punctuation.
Option B and C are also incorrect. A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted whereas, a dash is used to connect closely related independent clauses.

To accomplish them, some goals require not skill but patience.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

comma punctuation english

  1. skill; but

  2. skill, but

  3. skill - but

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A comma is often required to eliminate confusion or the misreading of a sentence, even if a comma would not normally be called for. Like in the given sentence, the comma is put before the coordinating conjunction, 'but' for a pause and more emphasis.
Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
A semi colon is put between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. 
The em dash is used to put a more emphasis in comparison to a comma, which is not needed in the given sentence..

Fill in the blank with the correct option.
To link words so that a compound word is formed we use a _____.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Hyphen

  2. Comma

  3. Question mark

  4. Semi colon

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to join words or parts of words in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer will be Option A. The other remaining options are incorrect.
Option B - A comma is used to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Option C - A question mark is used to indicate an interrogative clause in a sentence.
Option D - A semi colon is used to separate major sentence elements.



Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
I have been a vegetarian for the past three years; except that I occasionally eat fish.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years: except that I occasionally eat fish.

  2. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years ... except that I occasionally eat fish.

  3. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years - except that I occasionally eat fish.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option C.
Option B is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

If only I had chosen a different city to live in ... but why regret the past?

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. If only I had chosen a different city to live in - but why regret the past?

  2. If only I had chosen a different city to live in: but why regret the past?

  3. If only I had chosen a different city to live in (but why regret the past)?

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses that are related. However, the use of an ellipsis is incorrect, an ellipsis is used to indicate trailing off thought.
An em dash is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Thus, the correct answer is Option A. 
A colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second illustrates or explains the first whereas, a parentheses is used to add information in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Yes, I'd like to have a painting done; as long as I can choose which artist does it.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done - as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  2. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done: as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  3. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done ... as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
Option D is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

Give me the keys to the house ... can you do that ... I've left some things behind.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Give me the keys to the house; can you do that; I've left some things behind.

  2. Give me the keys to the house - can you do that? I've left some things behind.

  3. Give me the keys to the house - can you do that? - I've left some things behind.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
Parentheses is used to add additional information to a sentence. However, a pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses, if the content is less formal.
In the given sentence, a pair of em dashes should be used for the parenthetical element, in place of ellipsis. A pair o ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C. The remaining options are incorrect.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning: except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning - except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

  3. I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning; except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

  4. I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning ... except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.
Option D is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

I wish the trains ran on time - but why complain about things that can't change?

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. I wish the trains ran on time; but why complain about things that can't change?

  3. I wish the trains ran on time ... but why complain about things that can't change!

  4. I wish the trains ran on time: but why complain about things that can't change?

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her views. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A, no change.
Option B is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.