Colons and Semicolons Practice

Name: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________

Remember:

• Use a colon (:) to introduce a list or explanation.

• Use a semicolon (;) to join two related independent clauses.

Part A: Adding Colons

Insert a colon in the correct place in each sentence.

1. For the school trip, please bring the following items hat, sunscreen, lunch and water bottle.

2. There's only one thing I want for my birthday a new skateboard.

3. The teacher had one rule for homework complete it on time.

4. We visited three cities during our holiday Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Insert a semicolon in the correct place in each sentence.

1. The rain was pouring down the rugby match was cancelled.

2. I studied hard for the test I felt confident about my answers.

3. My brother loves science he wants to be a marine biologist.

4. The concert starts at seven o'clock we should leave by six.

Write either a colon or semicolon in each space.

1. The library has many resources ___ books, magazines, computers and quiet study areas.

2. The storm was approaching quickly ___ we needed to find shelter.

3. I have one goal this term ___ to improve my maths skills.

4. The weather was perfect ___ we decided to have a picnic at the beach.

5. You'll need these ingredients ___ flour, eggs, milk and sugar.

Write two sentences of your own using the punctuation correctly.

1. A sentence using a colon:

___________________________________________________________________________

2. A sentence using a semicolon:

___________________________________________________________________________