Punctuation Worksheets Games - Free Printable

You're working on a punctuation practice worksheet from *TeachThis*, focusing on matching punctuation marks to their correct uses and ordering sentences by logical or emotional intensity.

Let’s break this down step-by-step.

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## ✔ PART A: Match the name and symbol of the punctuation mark

Here’s the correct matching based on standard English punctuation rules:

| Name | Symbol |
|------------|--------|
| dash | — |
| comma | , |
| period | . |
| semicolon | ; |
| ellipsis | ... |

> 💡 Note: The worksheet lists “dash”, “comma”, “period”, “semicolon”, “ellipsis” — so you’re matching those names to the symbols shown. The symbols are already listed in order next to the names, but you need to write them in the blanks.

So your completed table should look like:

```
Name Symbol
dash —
comma ,
period .
semicolon ;
ellipsis ...
```

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## ✔ PART B: Put each group of sentences in order

You’re given 4 groups. For each, you must order the sentences from 1 to 3, where 1 = most dramatic / strongest / most formal / most final, depending on the instruction for that group.

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🟢 Group 1: Order from 1 to 3, where 1 is the most dramatic

Sentences:
- If he continues to do that… he is going to jail.
- Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.
- …the last argument was enough. Their relationship was over.

#### 🔍 Analysis:
- “...the last argument was enough. Their relationship was over.” → This implies a breakup or major consequence. Very dramatic.
- “If he continues to do that… he is going to jail.” → Threatening, serious, but conditional (depends on future action).
- “Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.” → Neutral, factual, not dramatic at all.

✔ Correct Order (Most Dramatic = 1):
1. …the last argument was enough. Their relationship was over.
2. If he continues to do that… he is going to jail.
3. Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.

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🟢 Group 2: Order from 1 to 3, where 1 is the strongest logical connection

Sentences:
- Jennifer is sick. She isn’t coming in today.
- Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.
- Jennifer is sick, she isn’t coming in today.

#### 🔍 Analysis:
- “Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.” → Semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses → strongest logical connection.
- “Jennifer is sick. She isn’t coming in today.” → Two separate sentences — clear, but less connected than with a semicolon.
- “Jennifer is sick, she isn’t coming in today.” → Comma splice — grammatically incorrect (should be semicolon or period) → weakest logical connection.

✔ Correct Order (Strongest Logical Connection = 1):
1. Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.
2. Jennifer is sick. She isn’t coming in today.
3. Jennifer is sick, she isn’t coming in today.

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🟢 Group 3: Order from 1 to 3, where 1 is the most formal

Sentences:
- Think carefully about the problem… Then answer the question.
- Think carefully about the problem, then answer the question.
- Think carefully about the problem. Then answer the question.

#### 🔍 Analysis:
- “Think carefully about the problem. Then answer the question.” → Two complete sentences → most formal and grammatically precise.
- “Think carefully about the problem, then answer the question.” → Comma joining two independent clauses — acceptable in informal writing, but technically a comma splice unless it’s a compound sentence with coordinating conjunction. Still less formal than using a period.
- “Think carefully about the problem… Then answer the question.” → Ellipsis suggests hesitation or pause — informal, conversational tone.

✔ Correct Order (Most Formal = 1):
1. Think carefully about the problem. Then answer the question.
2. Think carefully about the problem, then answer the question.
3. Think carefully about the problem… Then answer the question.

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🟢 Group 4: Order from 1 to 3, where 1 is the most final

Sentences:
- I’m very glad to hear that.
- I’m very glad to hear that…
- I’m very glad to hear that.

Wait — there’s a typo? All three look identical? But looking closer:

Actually, the worksheet likely intends:

- I’m very glad to hear that. → Period → final, conclusive.
- I’m very glad to hear that… → Ellipsis → trailing off, not final.
- I’m very glad to hear that → No punctuation? Or perhaps missing? But in context, the third one may be meant to be without punctuation — which would be incomplete.

But since two are identical, let’s assume the intended versions are:

1. I’m very glad to hear that. → Final
2. I’m very glad to hear that… → Not final — leaves room for more
3. I’m very glad to hear that → Incomplete/missing punctuation — least final

✔ Correct Order (Most Final = 1):
1. I’m very glad to hear that.
2. I’m very glad to hear that…
3. I’m very glad to hear that (no punctuation)

*(Note: If the third one has no punctuation, it’s grammatically incomplete and therefore least final.)*

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## ✔ FINAL ANSWERS

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PART A: Matching

```
Name Symbol
dash —
comma ,
period .
semicolon ;
ellipsis ...
```

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PART B: Ordering

#### Group 1 (Most Dramatic)
1. …the last argument was enough. Their relationship was over.
2. If he continues to do that… he is going to jail.
3. Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.

#### Group 2 (Strongest Logical Connection)
1. Jennifer is sick; she isn’t coming in today.
2. Jennifer is sick. She isn’t coming in today.
3. Jennifer is sick, she isn’t coming in today.

#### Group 3 (Most Formal)
1. Think carefully about the problem. Then answer the question.
2. Think carefully about the problem, then answer the question.
3. Think carefully about the problem… Then answer the question.

#### Group 4 (Most Final)
1. I’m very glad to hear that.
2. I’m very glad to hear that…
3. I’m very glad to hear that (no punctuation — assumed)

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✔ You’ve now completed the worksheet correctly! This exercise helps reinforce understanding of punctuation functions and how they affect tone, logic, and formality in writing. Great job practicing! 🎯