Add a Colon or Semicolon - ELA Worksheets - SplashLearn - Free Printable

Let's go through each question and determine which sentence correctly uses the colon or semicolon, based on grammar rules.

---

Rules to Remember:

- Colon (:)
- Used to introduce a list, explanation, quote, or example.
- Follows an independent clause and introduces something that explains or elaborates it.

- Semicolon (;)
- Joins two closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction.
- Can also separate items in a complex list when commas are already used within items.

---

Now let’s analyze each pair:

---

1.

> A. Four football players were awarded scholarships: Smith, O’Leary, Edwards, and Murphy.
> B. Four football players were awarded scholarships: they are talented, both athletically and academically.

✔ Correct Answer: A

- Why? The colon in A correctly introduces a list of names — this is a standard use of a colon.
- In B, the colon is followed by a complete sentence ("they are talented..."), but the first part ("Four football players were awarded scholarships") is not directly explaining or listing what comes after. It's more of a continuation, so a colon isn't appropriate here. A period or comma with a conjunction would be better.

➡️ So, checkmark next to A.

---

2.

> A. It was just as she feared; a broken vase, spilled water, muddy paw prints.
> B. It was just as she feared; the puppy had ransacked the living room.

✔ Correct Answer: B

- Why? In B, the semicolon connects two independent clauses:
- "It was just as she feared" (independent)
- "the puppy had ransacked the living room" (independent)
- They are closely related and properly joined with a semicolon.

- In A, the second part ("a broken vase...") is a fragment — it's not a complete sentence. You can't join a complete sentence with a fragment using a semicolon. This should use a colon or be rewritten.

➡️ So, checkmark next to B.

---

3.

> A. During our vacation, we are traveling to Branson, Missouri; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
> B. During our vacation, we are traveling to three states; Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

✔ Correct Answer: A

- Why? In A, the semicolons are correctly used to separate items in a list where the items themselves contain commas (e.g., city and state). This prevents confusion.
- Example: "Branson, Missouri" has a comma inside, so we use semicolons between items.

- In B, the semicolon is incorrectly used. After "three states", the rest is a list introduced by a colon or simple comma. But the semicolon creates a break between two parts that aren’t full independent clauses. Also, "Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma" is a simple list — no need for semicolons.

➡️ So, checkmark next to A.

---

4.

> A. The coach chose Patrick to throw the ball; Travis to catch the ball; and Harrison to kick the ball.
> B. The coach chose Patrick, who is excellent at throwing the ball; Travis, who never fails to catch the ball; and Harrison, who kicks the ball with great accuracy.

✔ Correct Answer: B

- Why? In B, the semicolons correctly separate independent clauses that are joined by parallel structure. Each clause has its own subject and verb:
- "The coach chose Patrick, who is excellent..."
- "Travis, who never fails..."
- "Harrison, who kicks..."

These are all appositives describing the players, and the semicolons help clarify the separation.

- In A, the sentence is awkward and grammatically incorrect. The semicolons are used to separate fragments:
- "Patrick to throw the ball" — not a complete clause
- "Travis to catch the ball" — same issue

This is not correct usage. It should use a comma or restructure.

➡️ So, checkmark next to B.

---

✔ Final Answers:

1. ✔️ First sentence (A)
2. ✔️ Second sentence (B)
3. ✔️ First sentence (A)
4. ✔️ Second sentence (B)

---

Summary of Checkmarks:

- 1: ✔ First box
- 2: ✔ Second box
- 3: ✔ First box
- 4: ✔ Second box

You can now mark these on the worksheet accordingly!