Punctuation Practice
Apply punctuation rules tested on the SAT and ACT.
Learn
Key Punctuation Rules
- Commas: Lists, introductory elements, nonessential clauses
- Semicolons: Join independent clauses; separate list items with internal commas
- Colons: Introduce lists or explanations after complete sentences
- Apostrophes: Contractions and possession (not plurals!)
- Dashes: Emphasis or to set off extra information
Practice
Question 1: Add correct punctuation: "I bought apples oranges and bananas"
Answer
"I bought apples, oranges, and bananas." (Commas in a list, Oxford comma optional)
Question 2: Is this correct? "The students who studied passed the test."
Answer
Yes, if "who studied" is essential (identifying which students). No commas needed for essential clauses.
Question 3: Fix: "I have three goals, to study harder, to exercise more, and to read daily."
Answer
"I have three goals: to study harder, to exercise more, and to read daily." (Use colon before a list)
Question 4: When do you use a semicolon?
Answer
To join two independent clauses without a conjunction, or to separate list items that contain commas.
Question 5: Fix the apostrophe error: "The dog's are playing."
Answer
"The dogs are playing." (No apostrophe for plural)
Question 6: Add punctuation: "However I disagree with the proposal"
Answer
"However, I disagree with the proposal." (Comma after introductory word)
Question 7: Is this correct? "My sister, who lives in Texas, is visiting."
Answer
Yes, if you have only one sister. The clause is nonessential (extra info), so commas are correct.
Question 8: Fix: "Its important to practice everyday."
Answer
"It's important to practice every day." (It's = it is; every day = two words as adverb)
Question 9: Add correct punctuation: "She said I will be there"
Answer
"She said, 'I will be there.'" (Comma before quote, quotation marks around direct speech)
Question 10: When would you use a colon?
Answer
After a complete sentence to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation. Example: "She needed three things: food, water, and shelter."