Read The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation Online

Authors: Jane Straus,Lester Kaufman,Tom Stern

The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation (21 page)

Semicolons and Colons
Quiz 1

Correct any punctuation errors. Some sentences may require removing punctuation. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

Example
:
These are some of the pool rules; do not run, report unsafe behavior to the lifeguard, and have fun
.
Correction
:
These are some of the pool rules: do not run, report unsafe behavior to the lifeguard, and have fun
.
1.
Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish: I'm a vegetarian.
2.
The centerpieces had her favorite flowers; roses, carnations, and daisies.
3.
They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely; they forgot sunscreen, towels, and firewood.
4.
Please give me some time, I do not want to be rushed.
5.
While visiting the beach, we saw: pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
6.
I would like to leave early in the morning, therefore: I am going to bed soon.
7.
On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
8.
The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses; uniforms; shoes; equipment; and camp fees.
9.
Estella landed her dream summer job: She'll be an intern in a senator's office.
10.
Roberto can't decide among three careers: dentist; veterinarian; or physical therapist.
11.
When Jane leaves, which will be in a few minutes, we can plan her party, but we still better do it quietly.
12.
The players have only one goal, they want to win the Stanley Cup.
13.
I need to buy: shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and contact lens solution.
14.
Give her a break, she just started working here two days ago!
15.
The delegates came from our offices in Region 1, Boston, Region 2, New York, Region 6, Houston, and Region 10, Seattle.
16.
Her new supervisor gave her a list of rules to be followed at the office; no making personal phone calls, surfing the Internet, or reading magazines.
17.
Jobs were assigned to the shelter volunteers; clean the litter boxes, sweep the floors, feed the cats, and give them water.
18.
Max and Sue have been to the Caribbean many times, however; they have not visited St. Lucia.
19.
At the camp the children were divided into two groups; those who know how to swim; and those who do not.
20.
Ashley was late for the rehearsal: she is usually late.
Semicolons and Colons
Quiz 2

Correct any punctuation errors. Some sentences may require removing punctuation. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

Example
:
We told Annika that we would take three courses next fall; French, American literature, and advanced algebra
.
Correction
:
We told Annika that we would take three courses next fall: French, American literature, and advanced algebra
.
1.
You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.
2.
We ask therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
3.
The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore I expected the shipment to have arrived by now.
4.
The American flag has three colors, namely, red, white, and blue.
5.
Clothes are often made from synthetic material; for instance, rayon.
6.
If you believe in magic, magical things will happen, but if you don't believe in magic, you'll discover nothing magical.
7.
The orchestra, excluding the violin section was not up to par.
8.
I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
9.
I need a few items at the store; clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
10.
I answered the phone, no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
11.
I wanted a cup of coffee, not a glass of milk.
12.
We have set this restriction, do your homework before watching television.
13.
If you can possibly arrange it, please visit us but if you cannot, let us know.
14.
I gave her a lot of money while we were married therefore I do not wish to pay her a dime in alimony.
15.
We have a variety of desserts, for instance apple pie, chocolate mousse, and flan.
16.
I needed three cards to win the hand, namely the ten of hearts, jack of diamonds, and king of hearts.
17.
I needed three cards to win the hand; the ten of hearts, jack of diamonds, and king of hearts.
18.
I would, therefore like to have an explanation for the missing cash.
19.
Nature lovers will appreciate seeing: whales, sea lions, and pelicans.
20.
He has friends from Iowa and Nebraska and Illinois is his home state.
Question Marks and Quotation Marks
Quiz 1

Correct the punctuation errors in the following sentences. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

Example
:

Well, I really don't know

she said
.
Correction
:

Well, I really don't know,

she said
.
1.
“Have you already completed our survey,” the cashier asked?
2.
Yan inquired, “Is it supposed to snow tomorrow”?
3.
I wonder why Allen left so early this morning?
4.
“Are we really planning to drive straight through without stopping,” he asked in amazement?
5.
I hope you don't mind my asking she said, “but do you realize how tired everyone is going to be by the time we get there”?
6.
Shia asked, with disbelief “Are you sure you want to be the one to tell her?”
7.
Betty is the one who found out first, isn't she.
8.
“Victor asked me what I did yesterday?” she said.
9.
She said, “T.J. shouted, “We are not staying at that hotel.”
10.
Carmella wanted to know if you need a ride to the mall.
Question Marks and Quotation Marks
Quiz 2

Correct the punctuation errors in the following sentences. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

Example
:
He asked,

Did Danika really say that

?
Correction
:
He asked,

Did Danika really say that?

1.
He wanted to know when you will be here?
2.
“Well, she said, “you certainly didn't waste any time.”
3.
“Is it almost over,” he asked?
4.
“I've had it up to here!”, she screamed.
5.
The song asks, “Would you like to swing on a star”?
6.
Carmen said, “She vowed, “I'll never leave you.”
7.
“May I have a rain check on that lunch”? I asked.
8.
Do you believe the saying, “It is better to vote for what you want and not get it than to vote for what you don't want and get it?”
9.
Bernard said, Waldo asked, “Who took my pencil sharpener?”
10.
“May I see your ID card,” the clerk asked?
Parentheses and Brackets
Quiz 1

Correct the punctuation errors in the following sentences. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

1.
After standing in line for 30 minutes [or possibly longer], she was able to buy the tickets.
2.
My cousin wrote, “I herd (
sic
) a rumor that Jack and Jennifer are getting engaged.”
3.
I would like to confirm my membership (The dues check is enclosed.)
4.
Our first meeting will be held at First Central Bank's community room [Main Street branch].
5.
We all decided to go out for pizza after the meeting (except for Dan).
6.
I overheard her say, “Our favorite cousin (she meant Dale) will be accompanying us on our trip.”
7.
Yasir was able to find the book he wanted for a really good price (twenty-five dollars.)
8.
Luigi moved to this country shortly after he was born (about 1925).
9.
When his family came to the United States, they settled in Washington [state].
10.
The first line of his letter said, “My freinds [
sic
], I never thought we would all be together again like this.”
Parentheses and Brackets
Quiz 2

Correct the punctuation errors in the following sentences. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

1.
She requested (actually she pleaded, that her name be withheld.
2.
Joe called today (He's been sick.) and said he felt better.
3.
I can have lunch with you tomorrow (Friday.)
4.
I hope you are feeling better (I am sick today.)
5.
In the movie Vanessa exclaims, “Whatever shall I do if he (the sheriff) comes looking for you tomorrow?”
6.
I read in the Mill Valley police log: “Officers were called to disburse (
sic
) attendees at a noisy party.”
7.
Daniel wanted to know why Mindy felt that way (he really didn't understand it.).
8.
Mariella told us that when her grandfather was a child, he used to work at a hamburger stand for almost nothing [sixty-five cents an hour].
9.
I need to run to the store right away (it's going to close in 20 minutes.)
10.
“do not go to sleep angry at each other,” the author states on page 56.
Apostrophes
Quiz 1

Correct any apostrophe errors. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

1.
The movie had it's desired effect.
2.
Both of my brother-in-law's live near Durango.
3.
Those girl's vitality and humor are infectious.
4.
Womens' Wear Daily
has been called the industry's voice of authority.
5.
Those actress's costumes look beautiful on them.
6.
Bill and Al had a boat. I was there when Bill's and Al's boat sank.
7.
She always let me stay up past the other childrens' bedtime.
8.
In some peoples' opinion, Faulkner is too difficult.
9.
I really felt that I got my monies worth.
10.
Would that companies health plan give you peace of mind?
Apostrophes
Quiz 2

Correct any apostrophe errors. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

1.
Those old factory's roof's have all caved in.
2.
The two little bird's feather's were ruffled.
3.
If it isn't her's, then who's is it?
4.
Joe Wilson said, “I may be biased, but the Wilson's holiday meals are the best.”
5.
Watch out for the scissor's sharp blades.
6.
Weve been invited to her two sisters-in-law party.
7.
Does'nt it seem strange that I didn't see that friend of your's anywhere?
8.
The five injured sailor's relatives are waiting outside.
9.
Not all baby's mothers agree on what constitutes good nutrition.
10.
Mr. Simms said none of his fellow Simm's opinions would sway him.
Hyphens Between Words
Quiz 1

Add, remove, or fix hyphens as necessary. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

1.
The storm blew down a seventy foot tall tree last night.
2.
The tree that blew down last night was seventy feet tall.
3.
My sister is moving from her home next to the heavily-congested highway.
4.
The summer camp was designed for 16 year old to 18 year old gymnasts.
5.
The summer camp was designed for gymnasts 16 years old to 18 years old.
6.
The summer camp was designed for gymnasts 16-18 years old.
7.
Clashes came one-year after the prime minister took office.
8.
It's a two hour meeting, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
9.
If we split the bill evenly, we each owe thirty four dollars.
10.
We offer around the clock coverage.
11.
Those low-interest rates are tempting.
12.
He certainly is a slovenly-appearing young man.
Hyphens Between Words
Quiz 2

Add, remove, or fix hyphens as necessary. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.

1.
She jumped from a two story building.
2.
You must let-down your guard.
3.
You certainly have a go get it nature.
4.
The badly-injured fireman was taken to a hospital.
5.
Look left-and-right before you cross the street.
6.
The left handed pitcher threw fastballs at almost 100 miles per hour.
7.
Do you remember anything you read in the fourth grade?
8.
This is seventh grade reading material.
9.
Beware of high pressure telemarketers.
10.
That two year old is adorable.
11.
That two-year old child is adorable.
12.
That child is two years old.

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