[Solution] Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 11: Other Punctuation
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Author: Ryan Smith
The following questions will test your knowledge of semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and other punctuation. Please answer the questions to review what you have just learned.
Choose the correct punctuation to complete the following sentences.
Attractive locations for transfer are .
View Explanation
Use semicolons to separate elements in a series when those elements already contain commas.
Which sentence uses dashes correctly to set off the list of names?
- Three of the managers Jake, Jessica, and Tyree drafted a letter of complaint regarding the new overtime policy.
- Three of the managers—Jake, Jessica, and Tyree—drafted a letter of complaint regarding the new overtime policy.
- Three of the managers “Jake, Jessica, and Tyree” drafted a letter of complaint regarding the new overtime policy.
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Use dashes to set off or emphasize content. Dashes add more emphasis than parentheses. Dashes are also used to set off parenthetical statements and introductory lists.
Which sentence correctly uses a possessive before the gerund 'speaking'?
- They speaking out of turn at meetings was beginning to annoy the project manager.
- Them speaking out of turn at meetings was beginning to annoy the project manager.
- Their speaking out of turn at meetings was beginning to annoy the project manager.
- They speaking out of turn at meetings began to annoy the project manager.
View Explanation
When a noun precedes a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun), use possessive pronouns or add an apostrophe and the letter s (that is, ’s) to the noun to indicate ownership.
Choose the best option to answer the question.
For what purpose do you use colons?
- To introduce a list, quote, or idea directly following an independent clause; to introduce e-mail messages; to separate the hour from the minutes in time notations; or to join one independent clause and one dependent clause
- To introduce a formal business message; to separate the hour from the minutes in time notations; to join two independent clauses when they are joined by an independent marker followed by a comma; to emphasize a list; or to introduce all quotes
- To introduce a formal business message; to separate the hour from the minutes in time notations; to join two independent clauses when you want to emphasize, define, amplify, or illustrate the first clause; or to introduce a list, quote, or idea directly following an independent clause
View Explanation
Use colons to introduce a formal business message; to separate the hour from the minutes in time notations; to join two independent clauses when you want to emphasize, define, amplify, or illustrate the first clause; or to introduce a list, quote, or idea directly following an independent clause.
What is true when a noun precedes a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun)?
- You should use possessive pronouns or add an apostrophe and the letter s (that is, ’s) to the noun to indicate ownership.
- You should place a comma before the noun to avoid creating a run-on sentence.
- Both function as adjectives.
View Explanation
When a noun precedes a gerund (a verb form used as a noun), use possessive pronouns or add an apostrophe and the letter s (that is, ’s) to the noun to indicate ownership. Example: Lisa’s chattering bothered everyone.
Choose the correct punctuation to complete the following sentence.
Following a long-running tradition, the entire company cheers on co-ed, intramural lacrosse team each Saturday in January.
View Explanation
The word it’s is a contraction representing it is. The word its is a singular, third-person, possessive pronoun.
Choose the correct punctuation to complete the following sentence.
Did Meera ask for next Wednesday off
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A period is used to end statements, commands, indirect questions, and polite requests. Sentences never conclude with more than one period. A question mark is used to end direct questions and statements with appended questions.
Which sentences use correct punctuation? Check all that apply.
- Chen said: “Take notes at the meeting.”
- Three company laptops are currently unaccounted for; and will be reported stolen.
- Please enroll Mr. Gallegos in the PPO benefits group.
- She dreaded April for one important reason: tax season.
View Explanation
Three company laptops are currently unaccounted for; and will be reported stolen is incorrect. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses. And will be reported is a dependent clause.
Chen said: “Take notes at the meeting” is incorrect. Colons may be used to introduce quotations that follow an independent clause. Chen said is not an independent clause.
