which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon

ATI TEAS 7

Practice English TEAS TEST

1. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
B. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
C. I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
D. I have a big test tomorrow; but I can't go out tonight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct use of a semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Choice A is the only option that correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: 'I have a big test tomorrow' and 'I can't go out tonight.' Choice B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a semicolon. Choice C adds an unnecessary 'and' after the semicolon, which disrupts the correct punctuation usage. Choice D introduces a contradictory conjunction 'but' after the semicolon, which is not necessary for the given context. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

2. Which of the following demonstrates correct punctuation?

A. Graham still needs the following items for his class: a sable brush, soft pastels, a sketchbook, and an easel.
B. Graham still needs the following items for his class, a sable brush, soft pastels, a sketchbook, and an easel.
C. Graham still needs the following items for his class: a sable brush; soft pastels; a sketchbook; and an easel.
D. Graham still needs the following items for his class – a sable brush; soft pastels; a sketchbook; and an easel.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A demonstrates correct punctuation. The sentence uses a colon to introduce a list, which is the most appropriate punctuation in this context. A colon is typically used to signal that a list or explanation follows, making it the suitable choice here. Choices B, C, and D either use a comma, semi-colon, or dash incorrectly to introduce the list, deviating from the standard punctuation rule for listing items. Therefore, they are incorrect in the context of this sentence.

3. Which of the following sentences contains an incorrect use of capitalization?

A. For Christmas, we are driving to the South to visit my grandmother in Mississippi.
B. Last year, we went to East Texas to go camping in Piney Woods.
C. Next month, we will visit my Aunt Darla, who lives just east of us.
D. When my sister-in-law Susan has her baby, I will take the train north to see her.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In this sentence, 'East' should not be capitalized because it is not part of a proper noun. Choices A, B, and D use capitalization correctly. In option A, 'South' and 'Mississippi' are capitalized as they are referring to specific regions. In option B, 'East Texas' and 'Piney Woods' are proper nouns and correctly capitalized. In option D, 'Susan' is a proper noun and capitalized appropriately.

4. Which sentence uses the pronoun 'they' correctly?

A. They is going to the park later today.
B. Sarah and John said they would come to the party.
C. The teacher said they needs to finish the report.
D. They enjoys reading books in their free time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A. "They" should be used with "are," not "is." B. Correct use of "they" for multiple people (Sarah and John). C. "They" should not be paired with "needs." D. "They" should be used with "enjoy," not "enjoys."

5. The beautiful flowers brightened the room. Which word is the adverb form of the adjective 'beautiful'?

A. beautiful
B. beautifully
C. beautification
D. beautify

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the sentence, 'beautiful' is used as an adjective to describe the flowers. To transform the adjective 'beautiful' into an adverb, you add '-ly,' resulting in 'beautifully.' Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, offering more details on how an action is performed. Choice A ('beautiful') is the original adjective form and not the adverb form. Choice C ('beautification') is a noun, not an adverb. Choice D ('beautify') is a verb, not an adverb.