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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Punctuation Quiz: How Strong Are Your Grammar Skills?

Think you're a punctuation pro? Try this punctuation test and boost your grammar and punctuation practice!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art punctuation marks and letters on coral background headline punctuation quiz decorative comma semicolon cutouts

This free punctuation quiz helps you practice commas, semicolons, colons, and more with instant feedback. Use it to spot gaps before a test and sharpen your everyday writing now. If you want a shorter warm-up, take the quick comma practice first.

Which sentence correctly uses commas in a list?
I bought apples, bananas, and cherries.
I bought apples, bananas and cherries.
I bought, apples, bananas and cherries.
I bought apples bananas, and cherries.
In a list of three or more items, commas should separate each element. The third option correctly applies commas between all items, including the Oxford comma before the conjunction. Consistency in comma usage helps clarify meaning and avoid confusion. For more details, see .
Choose the sentence with the correctly placed comma after an introductory phrase.
After the rain, stopped we went outside.
After the rain stopped, we went outside.
After, the rain stopped we went outside.
After the rain stopped we went outside.
A comma should follow an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause. The second sentence places the comma correctly after 'stopped'. This improves readability and adheres to standard punctuation rules. Learn more at .
Which is the correct contraction for 'do not'?
dont
dosn't
don't
do'nt
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter 'o' in 'not', forming 'don't'. Proper placement of the apostrophe is essential for standard contractions. Incorrect forms either omit or misplace the apostrophe. For more on apostrophes, visit .
Which sentence ends with the appropriate punctuation for a question?
You're coming with us?
Youre coming with us?
You're coming with us.
You're coming with us.
Questions should end with a question mark rather than a period. The second sentence correctly uses a question mark after 'us'. The third option also uses a question mark but omits the apostrophe in 'You're', making it incorrect. See for more.
Which sentence uses an exclamation mark correctly?
Watch out?
Watch out.
Watch out!
Watch out
An exclamation mark conveys strong emotion or warning. The second option places it correctly after 'Watch out'. The other options either lack it or use different punctuation marks. More examples can be found at .
Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
There are three things I love pizza, tacos, and ice cream.
There are: three things I love pizza, tacos and ice cream.
There are three things I love: pizza, tacos, and ice cream.
There are three things: I love pizza, tacos, and ice cream.
A colon introduces a list when the preceding clause is complete. The second sentence correctly places the colon after 'love' and before listing the items. Incorrect options either omit the colon or place it in the wrong position. See .
Select the correctly punctuated sentence with its vs. it's.
Its's going to rain today.
Its going to rain today.
It's going to rain today.
Its' going to rain today.
'It's' is the contraction for 'it is' and requires an apostrophe before the 's'. 'Its' without an apostrophe indicates possession. The second option correctly uses the contraction form. Learn more at .
Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?
He is a well-known-author.
He is a well known-author.
He is a well known author.
He is a well-known author.
Compound adjectives before a noun should be hyphenated to link the words. The second sentence properly uses a hyphen between 'well' and 'known'. The other options either omit the hyphen or place it incorrectly. For details, visit .
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses?
I love to read; and I visit the library often.
I love to read; I visit the library often.
I love to read, I visit the library often.
I love to read; because I visit the library often.
A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction. The third sentence correctly uses a semicolon to link the related ideas. Using a comma here would create a comma splice. More examples at .
When is it most appropriate to use a colon?
To offset a nonrestrictive clause.
To introduce a list.
To indicate a pause stronger than a period.
To join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
A colon is typically used to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation after an independent clause. It should not be used simply to indicate a pause or to join clauses without context. For guidance, see .
Which sentence correctly uses em dashes to add emphasis?
The secret ingredient - chocolate, makes it delicious.
The secret ingredient chocolate makes it delicious.
The secret ingredient - chocolate - makes it delicious.
The secret ingredient - chocolate - makes it delicious.
Em dashes - longer than hyphens - are used to set off parenthetical or emphatic elements. The second sentence uses them correctly around 'chocolate'. Using hyphens or commas in place of em dashes is incorrect here. Learn more at .
Which sentence correctly uses an ellipsis?
She hesitated.... then spoke.
She hesitated then... spoke.
She hesitated.. then spoke.
She hesitated... then spoke.
An ellipsis consists of three dots and indicates omitted text or a trailing off. The first sentence correctly uses three dots with no extra spaces at the start. The other options have too few or too many dots, or awkward placement. See .
Which sentence correctly uses the possessive form of the plural noun 'children'?
The children's toys were everywhere.
The childrens's toys were everywhere.
The childrens toys were everywhere.
The childrens' toys were everywhere.
The plural noun 'children' becomes possessive by adding an apostrophe plus 's', forming 'children's'. The second sentence correctly shows ownership. Other forms either misplace or omit the apostrophe. More on apostrophes at .
Which example contains a comma splice?
I wanted to go, but it was raining.
I wanted to go, it was raining.
I wanted to go; it was raining.
I wanted to go but it was raining.
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. The second option improperly uses a comma without a coordinating conjunction. Semicolons or conjunctions are needed instead. For details, visit .
Choose the sentence that correctly uses commas to set off a nonrestrictive clause.
My brother who lives in New York is visiting.
My brother who lives, in New York, is visiting.
My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.
My brother, who lives in New York is visiting.
Nonrestrictive clauses add extra information and should be set off by commas. The first sentence correctly encloses 'who lives in New York' in commas. Omitting or misplacing commas changes the meaning or breaks punctuation rules. See .
Which sentence correctly uses an en dash to indicate a range?
The score was 3-2 in the final match.
The score was 3 - 2 in the final match.
The score was 3 - 2 in the final match.
The score was 3 - 2 in the final match.
An en dash without spaces indicates a numeric range. The first sentence uses an en dash correctly between '3' and '2'. A hyphen or spaced dash is not standard for ranges. More on this at .
Which sentence correctly places punctuation with a quotation that is a question?
She asked, "Where are you going?"
She asked, "Where are you going?".
She asked "Where are you going?".
She asked, "Where are you going?"!?
When a quoted question ends a sentence, the question mark stays inside the quotation marks and no additional period follows. The third option correctly ends with the internal question mark only. Misplacing punctuation can confuse readers. For guidelines, refer to .
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon and comma with a conjunctive adverb?
I wanted to leave however, it was raining.
I wanted to leave; however, it was raining.
I wanted to leave however; it was raining.
I wanted to leave, however; it was raining.
A semicolon should precede a conjunctive adverb, followed by a comma. The second option correctly places '; however,' to join the clauses. Other options either misuse commas or semicolons. See for more.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a sentence that ends with parentheses?
She finally responded, after a long pause).
She finally responded (after a long pause.)
She finally responded after a long pause).
She finally responded (after a long pause).
If the parenthetical is part of a larger sentence and not a complete sentence itself, the period goes outside the closing parenthesis. The second option follows this rule correctly. Misplacing the period inside is incorrect. More at .
Which sentence correctly uses the serial comma in a complex list?
For breakfast I had eggs bacon, and toast; for lunch salad soup, and bread.
For breakfast, I had eggs, bacon, and toast, for lunch, salad, soup, and bread.
For breakfast, I had eggs, bacon and toast; for lunch, salad, soup and bread.
For breakfast, I had eggs, bacon, and toast; for lunch, salad, soup, and bread.
In a complex list where list items contain commas, semicolons separate the main items and a serial comma appears before the conjunction in each sublist. The first option applies semicolons and serial commas correctly. Other options omit required punctuation. See .
Which sentence correctly uses em dashes?
My friend - who is a doctor - arrived early.
My friend - who is a doctor - arrived early.
My friend--who is a doctor--arrived early.
My friend - who is a doctor - arrived early.
Em dashes set off parenthetical phrases without spaces. The first option places them correctly around 'who is a doctor' with no extra spaces. Hyphens or spaced dashes are not correct here. More at .
Which sentence correctly punctuates a book title within a sentence?
I just finished reading "To Kill a Mockingbird."
I just finished reading "To Kill a Mockingbird".
I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird.
I just finished reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
Standard style uses double quotation marks around book titles in running text, with the period inside the quotes. The first option follows this rule correctly. Ending the sentence outside the quotes or using single quotes is incorrect. See .
Identify the correct use of the Oxford comma in this sentence.
She invited her parents, Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama.
She invited her parents Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama.
She invited her parents, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama.
She invited her parents Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama.
The Oxford comma appears before the conjunction in a list of three or more items to avoid ambiguity. The second option correctly includes the comma before 'and'. The first option could imply the parents are Oprah and Barack. More on this at .
Which sentence correctly uses nested parentheses and brackets?
The requirements (see Appendix A [pages 10 - 12]) are clear.
The requirements (see Appendix A [pages 10-12] are clear).
The requirements [see Appendix A (pages 10 - 12)] are clear.
The requirements (see Appendix A pages [10 - 12]) are clear.
When parentheses contain parenthetical information that itself needs a parenthesis, brackets go inside the parentheses. The first option nests brackets correctly within parentheses. Other options misplace or omit closing punctuation. For more, see .
Choose the sentence that uses an en dash and an em dash correctly.
The New York - London flight - rated five stars - was delayed.
The New York-London flight - rated five stars - was delayed.
The New York-London flight - rated five stars - was delayed.
The New York - London flight - rated five stars - was delayed.
An en dash connects ranges or partnerships (New York - London) and an em dash sets off parenthetical statements - like ' - rated five stars - '. The first sentence applies both dash types correctly. Other options mix hyphens and spacing improperly. See .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze Comma and Semicolon Usage -

    Understand when to use commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks by evaluating sentence structure in our punctuation quiz.

  2. Identify Common Punctuation Errors -

    Spot mistakes in comma placement, semicolon misuse, and other grammar and punctuation practice challenges to strengthen your editing skills.

  3. Apply Punctuation Rules -

    Use your knowledge from the punctuation marks quiz to correctly apply colons, hyphens, and parentheses in your own writing tasks.

  4. Differentiate Punctuation Marks -

    Learn the distinct functions of similar punctuation marks such as colons vs. semicolons and dashes vs. hyphens to avoid confusion in sentences.

  5. Enhance Sentence Clarity -

    Improve readability by selecting the appropriate punctuation mark for varied sentence types during this punctuation test.

  6. Evaluate Your Punctuation Skills -

    Track your progress and identify areas for improvement through immediate feedback and scoring in the free punctuation quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Comma Essentials -

    Mastering commas is crucial for clear writing and acing any punctuation quiz, especially when separating items in a list (e.g., "We need eggs, milk, and flour"). Use commas after introductory phrases (FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to avoid run-ons. A handy tip: if you can say "pause" naturally in speech, a comma is likely needed.

  2. Semicolon Savvy -

    Semicolons link two independent clauses without a conjunction (e.g., "She loves reading; he prefers writing"). They also clarify complex lists (e.g., "Attendees: John Smith, CEO; Sarah Lee, CFO; and Mark Brown, COO"). Remember the rule from Purdue OWL: use semicolons when commas alone might confuse the reader.

  3. Colon Confidence -

    Use a colon to introduce lists, quotations, or explanations (e.g., "Bring three things: a pen, a notebook, and curiosity"). In formal writing and punctuation marks quizzes, colons also precede ratios and time (e.g., "3:45 PM" or "2:1"). A simple mnemonic: "What follows the colon is telling more."

  4. Apostrophe Accuracy -

    Apostrophes show possession (e.g., "the student's book") or form contractions (e.g., "it's = it is"), but never for plurals. A quick check: if you can replace the apostrophe word with "it is," it needs the apostrophe. Refer to the Chicago Manual of Style for in-depth examples and avoid a common error in many a punctuation test.

  5. Hyphen & Dash Distinction -

    Hyphens (-) join words in compounds (e.g., "well-being"), while en dashes ( - ) indicate ranges (e.g., "pages 10 - 20") and em dashes ( - ) set off parenthetical thoughts. The MLA Handbook recommends em dashes without spaces for strong breaks in a sentence. Remember: hyphens stick words together; dashes break thoughts apart.

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