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SAT Reading and Writing skill page

SAT Semicolons and Colons Practice

Know when a punctuation mark connects complete thoughts and when it introduces an explanation.

Practice semicolons and colons in Dolphin SATPractice questions
10-16 min practice time3 questions on pageStandard English Conventions
Practice time10-16 min
Question bank3 questions
Best forStandard English Conventions

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Dolphin question bank

Practice your skill

Question 1 of 3Easy
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
  1. The plan was simple; the team would test one variable at a time.
  2. The plan was; simple the team would test one variable.
  3. Because the plan was simple; the team tested one variable.
  4. The plan; was simple and useful.
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. The plan was simple; the team would test one variable at a time.

Solution walkthrough

  1. A semicolon can join two complete, closely related clauses.
Question 2 of 3Medium
Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
  1. The study focused on: sleep, memory, and attention.
  2. The study focused on three areas: sleep, memory, and attention.
  3. The study focused: on sleep, memory, and attention.
  4. The study: focused on three areas sleep, memory, and attention.
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. The study focused on three areas: sleep, memory, and attention.

Solution walkthrough

  1. The words before the colon form a complete idea that introduces the list.
Question 3 of 3Hard
Which choice correctly completes the sentence? The evidence pointed to one conclusion ___ the treatment was effective.
  1. ,
  2. ;
  3. :
  4. and
Show answer and solution
Correct answerC. :

Solution walkthrough

  1. The second part explains the conclusion, so a colon is appropriate after a complete clause.

Avoid these traps

Common mistakes on this skill

Using a semicolon without two independent clauses

A semicolon can join closely related independent clauses, but neither side may be a fragment.

Putting a colon after an incomplete lead-in

The words before a colon must form a complete sentence that introduces what follows.

Study plan

How to practice this skill in Dolphin

  1. Classify the text on both sides of the punctuation as a clause, phrase, list, or explanation.
  2. Use a semicolon only when both sides can stand as sentences.
  3. Use a colon only after a complete clause that sets up an example, list, or explanation.
Practice semicolons and colons in Dolphin SAT

Related practice

Build the surrounding skills

SAT Punctuation PracticeSAT Sentence Boundaries PracticeSAT Transitions PracticeSAT Reading and Writing skill hub

Skill cluster

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FAQ

Questions about SAT Semicolons and Colons Practice

Can a semicolon replace a period?

Yes, when it joins two closely related independent clauses.

What must come before a colon?

A complete independent clause, not a verb or preposition that still needs its object.