Punctuation Practice Questions
ACT · ACT English · 149 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
149
Total
45
Easy
74
Medium
30
Hard
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Sample Questions from Punctuation
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?
A.
My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
B.
Lets eat, Grandma!
C.
She likes ice cream, and cake, and cookies.
D.
The car is red and fast, and it is also expensive.
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Correct Answer: A
Option A correctly uses commas to set off the non-restrictive clause 'who lives in New York' from the main clause.
Q2
Easy
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.
A.
I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
B.
She loves to read; and write.
C.
He is tall; he plays basketball.
D.
The sun is shining; however, it is still cold.
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Correct Answer: A
Option A properly uses a semicolon to link two independent clauses that are closely related.
Q3
Easy
Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks?
A.
The teacher said, 'Please open your books.'
B.
I can't believe he said, 'It's time to go.'
C.
'What time is it?' she asked.
D.
He said, 'I will be there soon.'
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Option B is correct because it places the quotation marks around the spoken words and maintains the correct punctuation placement.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following sentences uses punctuation correctly?
A.
The dog barked loudly, it was annoying the neighbors.
B.
I enjoy reading novels; especially mystery stories.
C.
She said, 'I'll join you later,' but I didn't believe her.
D.
It's time to eat grandma!
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Correct Answer: C
Option C is correct because it properly uses commas to separate the reported speech from the rest of the sentence. The other options either misuse punctuation or change the sentence's meaning.
Q5
Medium
Choose the sentence that requires a comma.
A.
Before she leaves she always checks her bag.
B.
My brother who lives in California is visiting.
C.
I need to buy milk eggs and bread.
D.
When it rains I like to stay indoors.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Option C is correct because it lists multiple items in a series and requires commas to separate them for clarity. The other options are grammatically correct without needing commas.
Q6
Medium
In the sentence, 'I want to go to the movies but I have too much homework', where should a comma be placed?
A.
After 'movies'
B.
After 'but'
C.
Before 'but'
D.
After 'homework'
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Option C is correct because a comma should be placed before 'but' to separate the two independent clauses, which enhances clarity. The other options do not follow correct punctuation rules.
Q7
Medium
Select the sentence that correctly uses quotation marks.
A.
He said, I will go to the store.
B.
Did you hear her say, 'No way'?
C.
The sign read 'Beware of Dog.'
D.
She asked, Where are you going?
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Correct Answer: B
Option B is correct because it correctly uses quotation marks around the quoted speech. The other options either do not use quotation marks where needed or misplace them.
Q8
Hard
Which of the following sentences uses punctuation correctly to clarify meaning?
A.
Let's eat, Grandma!
B.
Lets eat Grandma!
C.
Lets, eat Grandma!
D.
Let's, eat Grandma!
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Option A correctly uses a comma to indicate a pause, clarifying that the speaker is addressing Grandma rather than suggesting to eat her. The absence of the comma in the other options changes the meaning entirely.
Q9
Hard
Which sentence correctly uses semicolons and commas to separate independent clauses and items in a list?
A.
The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
B.
The conference has attendees from Paris France; Berlin, Germany and Tokyo; Japan.
C.
The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Berlin Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
D.
The conference has attendees from Paris; France, Berlin; Germany and Tokyo Japan.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Option A correctly uses semicolons to separate complex list items containing commas, while maintaining clarity. The other options either misuse punctuation or lack necessary commas, making them incorrect.
Q10
Hard
Which of the following sentences uses punctuation correctly to indicate a non-restrictive clause?
A.
The car that is parked outside belongs to my neighbor.
B.
My brother who lives in New York is visiting next week.
C.
The book, which you recommended, was fascinating.
D.
Students who study hard will succeed.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Option C correctly uses commas to set off the non-restrictive clause 'which you recommended.' This indicates that the clause adds extra information but is not essential to the main point of the sentence.
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Punctuation — ACT ACT English Practice Questions Online
This page contains 149 practice MCQs for the chapter Punctuation in ACT ACT English. The questions are organized by difficulty — 45 easy, 74 medium, 30 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.