53 End-of-Chapter Exercises

Punctuation Exercises

Each sentence contains a punctuation error. On your own sheet of paper, correct each sentence by adding the correct punctuation. The headings will let you know which type of punctuation mistakes to look for. If the sentence does not need corrections, write OK.

Commas

The wedding will be July 13 2012.

The date by the way is the anniversary of the day that they met.

The groom the bride and their parents are all planning the event.

Actually all of their friends and relatives are involved in the planning.

The bride is a baker so she will be making the wedding cake herself.

The photographer the caterer and the musician will all be friends.

Semicolons

Some people spend a lot of money hiring people for wedding services they are lucky to have such talented friends.

The flowers will be either roses, daisies, orchids, or tulips it will depend on which flowers are in season.

Colons

There will be three colors for the wedding: white, black, and gold.

They’ve finally narrowed down the dinner choices salmon, steak, and a vegan stew.

Their wedding invitations contained the following quote from the Roman poet Ovid If you want to be loved, be lovable.

Quotes

The invitations said that the wedding would be “outdoor casual.”

“What exactly does ‘outdoor casual’ mean?” I asked the bride.

She told me to dress comfortably and wear shoes that do not sink into the ground.

Apostrophes

On the day of the wedding, were going to rent a limo.

My brothers wife will make the arrangements.

Shes a great party organizer.

Parentheses

On the day of the wedding, the bride looked more beautiful than ever and I’ve known her for fifteen years.

All the details were perfect in my opinion.

Dashes

Everyone danced at the wedding except my mother.

It was to be expected she just had hip surgery.

Hyphens

The groom danced with his new mother in law.

It was a spectacular, fun filled day for everyone.

Each sentence contains a punctuation error. On your own sheet of paper, correct each sentence by adding commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, parentheses, hyphens, and dashes as needed.

My mothers garden is full of beautiful flowers.

She has carefully planted several species of roses peonies and irises.

She is especially proud of her thirty year old Japanese maple tree.

I am especially proud of the sunflowers I planted them!

You should see the birds that are attracted to the garden hummingbirds, finches, robins, and sparrows.

I like to watch the hummingbirds they are my favorite.

We spend a lot of time in the garden planting weeding and just enjoying the view.

Each flower has its own personality some seem shy and others seem bold.

Arent gardens wonderful?

You should come visit sometime Do you like to garden?

The following paragraph contains errors in punctuation. On your own sheet of paper, correct the paragraph by adding commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, parentheses, hyphens, and dashes as needed. There may be more than one way to correct the paragraph.

May 18 2011

Dear Hiring Manager

Allow me to introduce myself in my previous position I was known as the King of Sales. I hope to earn the same title within your company. My name is Frances Fortune. I have thirteen years experience in corporate sales and account management. I have been the top rated seller for two years in a row in my previous position. Clients recognize me as dependable honest and resourceful. I have a strong work ethic and great interpersonal skills. I excel at goal setting and time management. However you don’t have to take my word for it I will be happy to provide personal and professional references upon request. Youre welcome to contact my previous employer to inquire about my work performance. I look forward to speaking with you in person in the near future.

Sincerely Frances Fortune

Read the following paragraph. Edit by adding apostrophes, parentheses, dashes, and hyphens where needed. There may be more than one correct way to edit some sentences. Consider how the punctuation you choose affects the meaning of the sentence.

I was a little nervous about the interview it was my first in years. I had to borrow my roommates suit, but it fit me well. A few days ago, I started to research the companys history and mission. I felt like I was well qualified for the job. When I arrived, I shook hands with the interviewer she had a strong grip! It nearly caught me off guard, but I did my best to smile and relax. I was a little distracted by all the books in the womans office she must have had a hundred books in that tiny room. However, I think my responses to her questions were good. Ill send her an e-mail to thank her for her time. Hopefully shell call me soon about the position.

Capitalization Exercises

Read the following paragraph. Edit by fixing the capitalization where needed.

Life topics excite me to write about. life has been very good to me, So I have plenty of wonderful experiences. There are plenty of Things that i can’t live without. The most important would be love. My mom always tells me that Love is life. The Bible also speaks about three main thing we need in life, and The most important out of all three is Love. Love is Everything in my opinion. Love is very important to me because It makes me happy.

Each sentence contains a capitalization error. There may be more than one. Correct each sentence by fixing as needed.

Correct the capitalization errors in the following fictional story. Copy the corrected paragraph onto your own sheet of paper.