Colon and Semicolon online exercise for - Free Printable

Here is the corrected version of the worksheet with explanations for each sentence.

The key rules to remember:
* Colon (`:`): Used to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quote. It often follows a complete thought.
* Semi-colon (`;`): Used to join two closely related independent clauses (complete sentences) without a conjunction like "and" or "but". It can also be used to separate items in a complex list where commas are already used within the items.

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Corrected Sentences & Explanations:

1. I found a kitten: I'm going to keep it.
* *Explanation:* The second part ("I'm going to keep it") explains the consequence or result of finding the kitten. A colon is appropriate here to introduce this explanation.

2. There is plenty to eat: fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cookies.
* *Explanation:* The phrase "fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cookies" is a list of things to eat. A colon is used to introduce this list after the introductory phrase.

3. It was her fondest dream, realized, to dance with the New York Ballet.
* *Explanation:* This sentence does not require a colon or semi-colon. The word "realized" is a non-essential appositive describing "dream" and should be set off by commas. Adding a colon or semi-colon here would be grammatically incorrect as "realized to dance..." is not an independent clause or a list.

4. An announcement interrupted us: "Will Mary Jones please come to the office."
* *Explanation:* The direct quote ("Will Mary Jones please come to the office.") is what the announcement said. A colon is used to introduce the direct quotation after the introductory phrase.

5. Jim is making pancakes; he is not very good at it.
* *Explanation:* Both parts ("Jim is making pancakes" and "he is not very good at it") are independent clauses. They are closely related ideas (the action and the skill level). A semi-colon correctly joins them without a conjunction.

6. That movie was awful; I watched the whole thing anyway.
* *Explanation:* Both parts ("That movie was awful" and "I watched the whole thing anyway") are independent clauses. They express contrasting ideas (bad movie vs. watching it all), which is a common use for a semi-colon.

7. We had three choices: win, lose, or quit.
* *Explanation:* The words "win, lose, or quit" form a list of the three choices. A colon is used to introduce this list.

8. Bryan is running for mayor; he is only nineteen.
* *Explanation:* Both parts ("Bryan is running for mayor" and "he is only nineteen") are independent clauses. The second clause adds surprising or contrasting information about Bryan. A semi-colon is appropriate to link these related but independent thoughts.

9. Here's what I need: eggs, flour, and sugar.
* *Explanation:* The phrase "eggs, flour, and sugar" is a list of needed items. A colon is used to introduce this list after the introductory phrase "Here's what I need".

10. This kiwi is delicious; I ate three of them.
* *Explanation:* Both parts ("This kiwi is delicious" and "I ate three of them") are independent clauses. The second clause provides a result or consequence of the first (because it's delicious, I ate more). A semi-colon correctly joins these related ideas.

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Final Answer (Corrected Worksheet):

Colons and Semi-colons

DIRECTIONS: Correct each sentence by adding a colon or a semi-colon where needed.

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, realized, 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.