Let’s go through each sentence one by one. We need to add either a
colon (:) or a
semi-colon (;) where it makes the sentence clearer and grammatically correct.
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1. I found a kitten I’m going to keep it.
→ These are two complete thoughts that are closely related. A semi-colon works here.
✔ *I found a kitten; I’m going to keep it.*
2. There is plenty to eat fruit nuts vegetables and cookies.
→ “Fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cookies” is a list explaining what there is to eat. Use a colon before the list.
✔ *There is plenty to eat: fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cookies.*
3. It was her fondest dream realized to dance with the New York Ballet.
→ This sentence doesn’t need any punctuation change — it’s already correct as is. But wait… actually, this might be trying to say: “It was her fondest dream: to dance with the New York Ballet.” The part after explains what the dream was → use a colon.
✔ *It was her fondest dream: to dance with the New York Ballet.*
4. An announcement interrupted us “Will Mary Jones please come to the office.”
→ When you introduce a quote or direct speech, use a colon.
✔ *An announcement interrupted us: “Will Mary Jones please come to the office.”*
5. Jim is making pancakes he is not very good at it.
→ Two complete ideas joined without proper punctuation → use a semi-colon.
✔ *Jim is making pancakes; he is not very good at it.*
6. That movie was awful I watched the whole thing anyway.
→ Again, two complete thoughts → semi-colon.
✔ *That movie was awful; I watched the whole thing anyway.*
7. We had three choices win, lose, or quit.
→ “Win, lose, or quit” is a list of the choices → use a colon before the list.
✔ *We had three choices: win, lose, or quit.*
8. Bryan is running for mayor he is only nineteen.
→ Two complete sentences → semi-colon.
✔ *Bryan is running for mayor; he is only nineteen.*
9. Here’s what I need eggs, flour, and sugar
→ “Eggs, flour, and sugar” is a list of what is needed → use a colon.
✔ *Here’s what I need: eggs, flour, and sugar.*
10. This kiwi is delicious I ate three of them.
→ Two complete thoughts → semi-colon.
✔ *This kiwi is delicious; I ate three of them.*
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Final Answer:
1. I found a kitten; I’m going to keep it.
2. There is plenty to eat: fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cookies.
3. It was her fondest dream: to dance with the New York Ballet.
4. An announcement interrupted us: “Will Mary Jones please come to the office.”
5. Jim is making pancakes; he is not very good at it.
6. That movie was awful; I watched the whole thing anyway.
7. We had three choices: win, lose, or quit.
8. Bryan is running for mayor; he is only nineteen.
9. Here’s what I need: eggs, flour, and sugar.
10. This kiwi is delicious; I ate three of them.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of colon worksheet.
