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Colon - English language punctuation - class-VIII

Description: colon
Number of Questions: 22
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Tags: english punctuation
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Choose the correct sentence of the given, in terms of the usage of 'colon'.

  1. In the rainy night, his eyes could focus only one thing the light house.

  2. In the rainy night, his eyes could focus only one thing: the light house.

  3. In the rainy night, his eyes: could focus only one thing the light house.

  4. None of these.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, a colon can be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related or, when one illustrates or explains the other.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.
The remaining options are incorrect.
Option A does not include a colon which is necessary for a pause between the clauses.
Option C does not distinct the clauses in the sentence.

Choose the sentence(s) with the correct usage of 'colon':

  1. The cause of pollution is only one: mankind.

  2. The cause of pollution is mankind:

  3. The cause of pollution: is one, mankind.

  4. :Mankind the only cause for pollution.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, a colon can be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related or, when one illustrates or explains the other.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
The remaining options are incorrect as, the punctuation colon is not placed so as to separate clauses.

Choose the sentence with the correct usage of 'colon' in it.

  1. A balanced diet: should contain vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.

  2. A balanced diet should contain the following: vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.

  3. A balanced diet should contain vitamins: minerals: and carbohydrates.

  4. A balanced diet should: contain the following vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.


Correct Option: B

Which of the given sentence is wrong in terms of the usage of 'colon' in it:

  1. Bizarre things were happening in his life: mentally and physically.

  2. The mixture contained: milk, raisins and fruits.

  3. Abdul summed up: all the three; physics, chemistry and maths.

  4. He was proud of his son: a doctor.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

We need to choose the option that does NOT use the colon correctly. So, the options with the CORRECT sentences are WRONG.
The colon ':' has various functions. It is used for introducing a list, like in option B, where it introduces a list of things in the mixture: milk, raisins and fruits.
Since B has the correct sentence, option B is wrong.
The colon is also used to introduce appositives. Appositives are nouns, pronouns or noun phrases that modify or explain other nouns, pronouns and noun phrases.
This can be seen in options A and D. In A, 'mentally and physically' describes the bizarre things that were happening in his life.
In D, 'doctor' describes the profession of his son, by saying that his son was a doctor.
Since these sentences are correct, options A and D are wrong.
This leaves option C. A colon cannot be used when it appears to break the flow of the sentence, as it does in C. The colon follows directly after the verb 'summed up'.
(One should avoid using a colon after a verb or preposition.)
Since option C has the incorrect usage, it is the right answer.

Out of the given sentences, select the one which places 'colon' in its most suitable position:

  1. Jahangir knew: three languages; Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

  2. Jahangir knew three: languages; Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

  3. Jahangir knew three languages: Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.

  4. Jahangir: knew three languages; Hindi, Urdu and Sinhalese.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence. The sentence gives a list of languages known by Jahangir. Thus, the correct option will be Option C.
The remaining options are incorrect. 
A semi colon is used between two independent clause when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.

The circus hosted a variety of new artistes; three tightrope walkers, four unicyclists, and a juggler.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. new artistes,

  2. new artistes:

  3. new artistes ...

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A colon is used between two independent clauses in which the second clause illustrates, explains, extends or paraphrases the first clause. Hence, the correct option is B) New artistes:

A range of new blockbusters is coming to the cinemas this summer: thrillers, comedies and family dramas.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. summer;

  2. summer,

  3. summer ...

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of blockbusters coming to the cinemas.
An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.
A semi colon and a comma are used to between or before coordinating conjunctions in two independent clauses respectively.
However, the punctuation colon (:) is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Thus, the most appropriate answer is Option A, no change.

Maria painted her house in neutral colors; gray, white and brown.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. colors:

  2. colors ...

  3. colors

  4. colors. 


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of colors used by Maria to paint her house.
The punctuation colon (:) is used to introduce a list of items.
Thus, the most suitable answer will be Option A.
An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.
A period is used only at the end of a declaratory sentence and not in between.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word:
Plants obtain energy for their activities through photosynthesis, a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

  1. photosynthesis:

  2. photosynthesis;

  3. photosynthesis

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. 
Option A - As a general rule, a colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second illustrates or explains the first. In the given sentence, the second half explains the process of photosynthesis. Thus, the usage of colon in place of comma will be more appropriate.
Option B - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.


I am moving to another city for several reasons, better job opportunities, a diversity of cultural events and good schools for the children.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. reasons;

  2. reasons:

  3. reasons

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of benefits of moving to another city. 
A punctuation is required to separate the list of benefits from the introductory clause. However, a comma is used in a list to separate a series of items and not before that. Therefore, using a comma in the given sentence is incorrect.
Option A - A semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. 
Option B - A colon (:) is specifically used to introduce a list of items. Therefore, the correct answer must be Option B.

Maya wrote "It is stormy at this time of the year."

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. wrote.

  2. wrote:

  3. wrote;

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. Quotation marks can be either preceded by a comma or a colon. However, in the case of independent clause, a colon must be opted for. Thus, the correct answer will be Option B.
The other options are not valid to be used before a quotation mark.

One of the most surprising objects found in his study was a prism; a transparent optical instrument with flat polished surfaces that refract light.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. prism:

  3. prism,

  4. prism ...


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A colon has several uses, one of them is to link two sentences that are grammatically complete but closely related in thought. 
A semicolon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
An ellipsis is used to represent a thought trailing off.
Thus, the most suitable answer will be Option B.

During her stay in Europe, Elise tasted a variety of traditional Continental desserts; Polish Babka, German Baumkuchen and Italian Cassata.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. desserts ...

  2. desserts,

  3. desserts:

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The given sentence gives a list of traditional Continental desserts. A semi colon (;) is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted. Therefore, using a semi colon in the given sentence is incorrect.
Option A - An ellipsis (…) is a set of three dots indicating an omission. This punctuation is not required in the given sentence.

Option B - A comma is used in a list to separate a series of items and not before that.
Option C - The punctuation colon (:) is specifically used to introduce a list of items. Therefore, the correct answer will be Option C.





Leonardo da Vinci may be described as a polymath, and his subjects of interest included art, architecture, science, maths, astronomy, botany and cartography.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. polymath;

  2. polymath and

  3. polymath:

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A "polymath" is a person with a wide range of knowledge. The given statement has two independent sentences. Independent sentences have a subject and a verb and can convey a meaning on their own. Here, one sentence describes Leonardo da Vinci as a polymath and the other sentence lists his subjects of interest. These two sentences were joined by the conjunction "and" with a comma before "and." We can use "and" to join two nouns, two independent sentences, etc. Hence, the co-ordinating conjunction "and," which connects two sentences here, has been used correctly.

When two independent sentences are joined by "and," a comma has to be inserted between the two sentences. The given sentence has a comma before "and." So, the punctuation was accurate as well.
So, option D which suggests that no change is necessary is the right answer.
A semi-colon is used to indicate a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period. This sentence does not require a longer pause than that provided by a comma. Moreover, a semi-colon may be necessary to separate two sentences only if the first sentence has multiple commas. The first sentence here does not have any commas. So, option A which suggests a semi-colon is wrong.
Option B recommends removing the comma from the sentence. However, two independent sentences joined by a co-ordinating conjunction should have a comma before the co-ordinating conjunction. We cannot remove the comma from this sentence. So, option B is incorrect.
Option C shows a colon after "polymath." Using a colon, you can give more information about something that is mentioned right before the colon. This sentence does not detail anything about "polymath." It continues to list Leonardo da Vinci's subjects of interest. Hence, a colon is not required here. Thus, option C is incorrect. 
 

Robust leadership, staunch resistance to the enemy and eloquent oratory; these are some of the hallmarks of Winston Churchill's statesmanship.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. oratory,

  3. oratory

  4. oratory:


Correct Option: D
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of distinctive features under the Churchill's statesmanship. A colon is specifically used to introduce a list into a sentence. Thus, a colon should be used in place of the semi colon. However, a semi colon can be used to link complicated items in a list.
A comma is used to separate different items in a list.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

A rocking chair, an armoire, a bureau and several coffee tables; these are the items of furniture that Michael sold at his garage sale.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. tables:

  2. tables,

  3. tables ...

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The sentence gives a list of items of furniture that Michael sold at his garage sale. A colon is used to introduce a list into a sentence. Thus, a colon should be used in place of the semi colon. However, a semi colon can be used to link complicated items in a list.
A comma is used to separate different items in a list.
An ellipsis is generally used to represent a trailing off thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.

Shakespeare wrote - "To thine own self be true."

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. wrote:

  2. wrote;

  3. wrote ...

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses. Quotation marks can be either preceded by a comma or a colon. However, in the case of independent clause, a colon must be opted for. Thus, the correct answer will be Option A.
The other options are not valid to be used before a quotation mark.
An ellipsis can be used to represent a trailing of thought.


Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part of the sentence:
Delayed trains flooded roads and traffic jams, these made Lucy late to work on Monday morning.

  1. Delayed trains; flooded roads; and traffic jams; these

  2. Delayed trains, flooded roads, and traffic jams; these

  3. Delayed trains, flooded roads, and traffic jams: these

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: C
Explanation:
The given sentence provides a list of reasons that made Lucy late for work. According to general rule, a colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence. Also, in order to separate different items in a list, a comma should be used.  
Thus, the correct answer will be Option C.
A semi colon is used to separate the list items when the list items themselves contain commas.

Those going on the picnic were, Martin, his wife and child, his brother-in-law and his grandparents.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. were

  3. were;

  4. were ...


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The given sentence talk about the people going for a picnic. Usually such sentences that introduce a list require a colon between them. However, using a colon should be avoided before a list if it directly follows a verb or preposition. Such sentences ordinarily need no punctuation. Thus, according to the rules, the correct answer is Option B.
Option A - A comma is used to separate different items in a list.
Option C - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
Option D - An ellipsis is used to represent a trailing off thought.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

Early dawn, clear mornings and cool weather; these were the things Eric enjoyed on his early morning runs.

  1. weather,

  2. weather:

  3. weather ...

  4. NO CHANGE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The given sentence gives a list of items that Eric enjoyed on his early morning runs. A colon is used to introduce an item or list of items in a sentence. Thus, a colon should be used in the sentence in place of the semi colon. 
Option A - A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
Option C - An ellipsis is used to represent a trailing off thought.
Option D - The use of semi colon is incorrect. A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

Several companies and not-for-profit organizations are offering the new virtual race and while the details vary, the concept is the same; pay money, run a set distance whenever and wherever you like and receive a medal in the post.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. offering the new virtual race and, while the details vary, the concept is the same: pay money, run a set distance whenever and wherever you like,

  3. offering the new virtual race, and while the details vary, the concept is the same: pay money, run a set distance whenever and wherever you like

  4. offering the new virtual race, and while the details vary, the concept is the same; pay money, run a set distance whenever and wherever you like,


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The sentence describes a list of concepts that several companies run by. In a sentence, a colon is used to introduce a list of items. A comma is used between the different items in a list and before conjunctions that separate them. Thus, according to the rules, the correct answer must be Option B. 
Option A  and D are incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
Option C uses a colon to introduce the list of items, however, the commas required before the conjunctions in a list are not used. Thus, this answer is incorrect.

These days, one of the things that meteorologists most fear is the onset of a tropical cyclone: a rapidly rotating storm system with a low pressure center.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. cyclone;

  3. cyclone,

  4. cyclone ...


Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The sentence consists of an independent clause followed by a closely related item. A colon is used to introduce an item or list of items in a sentence. Thus, the use of colon in the given sentence is correct.
Option B - A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinating conjunction is omitted.
Option C - A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
Option D - An ellipsis is used to represent a trailing off thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A, no change.
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