Practice Sentences: Commas, Semicolons, and Colons

1. The flooding was worst at the point where New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania meet.
2. Because he loved to read, to write, and to edit, Mr. Diamond was considering a career in library work, marketing, or publishing.
3. Salinger’s first novel, The Catcher in the Rye, captures the language and thoughts of teenagers.
4. He has only one ambition: to produce a Broadway musical.
5. If you blow out all your candles, your wish will come true.
6. The district managers represent four regions: Terry Smith, Rochester, NY; Chris Adler, Superior, WI; Kim Young, Chimayo, NM; and Pat Golden, Tallahassee, FL.
7. The weather report predicted high winds, freezing rain, and snow; the highway patrol advised caution when driving, yet the storm blew out to sea.
8. My boss, who wears bright colors, is a cheerful person.
9. He hires people who are energetic, efficient, and polite.
10. When asked what she wanted to be later in life, she replied, “An Olympic swimmer.”
11. The governor issued this statement: “I have done nothing wrong; the IRS will find that my tax returns are all in order.”
12. Scientists spotted large numbers of dolphins, nurse and great white sharks, and blue, gray, and humpback whales, near the offshore station.
13. She loves her car: a red Toyota.
14. If you drop by the doctor’s office without an appointment, you can be sure of one thing: an icy reception.
15. His dog, a big Labrador retriever, is afraid of mice.
16. His recent painting, which is hanging in our local restaurant, shows dogs in various disguises.
17. His recent painting that is hanging in our local restaurant shows dogs in various disguises.