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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?
When should you use a semicolon?
What is the function of an apostrophe?
What type of noun takes a singular verb?
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What type of noun can be made plural by adding -s or -es?
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When does a collective noun take a plural verb?
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What type of pronoun takes a singular verb?
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What punctuation mark is used to introduce a list or quotation?
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Study Notes
Punctuation
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Commas (,):
- Separate items in a list (e.g., apples, bananas, oranges)
- Separate clauses in a sentence (e.g., I went to the store, and I bought some milk)
- Set off nonessential clauses or phrases (e.g., The teacher, who was wearing a red hat, was very nice)
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Semicolons (;):
- Separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning (e.g., I have visited many cities in my life; Paris is my favorite)
- Separate items in a list when those items already contain commas (e.g., I have visited many cities in my life, including Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain)
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Apostrophes ('):
- Show possession (e.g., the cat's toy)
- Form contractions (e.g., don't instead of do not)
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Colons (:):
- Introduce a list or quotation (e.g., I have three favorite foods: pizza, sushi, and tacos)
- Separate two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first (e.g., I have one rule: never give up)
Noun/Verb Agreement
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Singular Nouns:
- Take a singular verb (e.g., The cat sleeps on the bed)
- Can be made plural by adding -s or -es (e.g., cat → cats)
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Plural Nouns:
- Take a plural verb (e.g., The cats sleep on the bed)
- Can be irregular (e.g., child → children)
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Collective Nouns:
- Take a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole (e.g., The team is playing well)
- Take a plural verb when referring to individual members of the group (e.g., The team are all wearing their uniforms)
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Indefinite Pronouns:
- Take a singular verb (e.g., Everyone is going to the party)
- Can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., Someone is/are coming to the door)
Punctuation
-
Commas:
- Used to separate items in a list
- Used to separate clauses in a sentence
- Used to set off nonessential clauses or phrases
-
Semicolons:
- Used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning
- Used to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas
-
Apostrophes:
- Used to show possession
- Used to form contractions
-
Colons:
- Used to introduce a list or quotation
- Used to separate two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first
Noun/Verb Agreement
-
Singular Nouns:
- Take a singular verb
- Can be made plural by adding -s or -es
-
Plural Nouns:
- Take a plural verb
- Can be irregular
-
Collective Nouns:
- Take a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole
- Take a plural verb when referring to individual members of the group
-
Indefinite Pronouns:
- Take a singular verb
- Can be singular or plural depending on the context
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Description
Test your understanding of commas and semicolons with this quiz on punctuation rules.
