Semicolons and Colons Quiz

Look for errors in the usage of colons or semicolons.
Note: some are okay. Answers with explanations follow the quiz.

1. The Library of Congress is a research library only; it doesn't circulate books.

2. The books in the Library of Congress were burned by the British in 1814; the government bought Thomas Jefferson's library of books.

3. The Gutenberg Bible is in the Library of Congress; it's the first great book printed from movable metal type.

4. There are three branches of the United States Government: Judicial, Legislative, and Executive.

5. Outside the Supreme Court, there are two seated statues: a female figure representing "Contemplation of Justice," and a male figure representing "Authority of Law."

6. On the doors you enter the courtroom; you can see the ten commandments.

7. Traveling over the bridge to Arlington Cemetery you can see: Theodore Roosevelt Island.

8. Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest president; ever, at the age of 42.

9. Theodore Roosevelt wasn't the brother of FDR; he was FDR's 5th cousin.

10. Theodore Roosevelt became our 25th president; on the assassination of William McKinley.

Answers and Explanations

1. Correct: The Library of Congress is a research library; it doesn't circulate books.
(These closely related independent clauses are separated by a semicolon.)

2. Correction made: The books in the Library of Congress were burned by the British in 1814. The U. S. government bought Thomas Jefferson's library of books.
(These are not closely related independent clauses, so the semicolon was replaced with a period).

3. Correction made: The Gutenberg Bible is in the Library of Congress. It's the first great book printed from movable metal type.
(These are not closely related independent clauses, so the semicolon was replaced with a period).

4. Correct: There are three branches of the United States Government: Judicial, Legislative, and Executive.
(The colon introduces a list)

5. Correct: Outside the Supreme Court there are two seated statues: A female figure representing "Contemplation of Justice," and a male figure representing "Authority of Law."
(The colon introduces a list)

6. Correction made: On the doors as you enter the courtroom, you can see the ten commandments.
(The semicolon was replaced with a comma because the clause ending with courtroom acts as an introduction and is not an independent clause).

7. Correction made: Traveling over the bridge to Arlington Cemetery, you can see Theodore Roosevelt Island.
(The colon was replaced with a comma because the first part of the sentence is an introduction and is not an independent clause).

8. Correction made:Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest president, ever, at the age of 42.
(The semicolon was not followed by an independent clause, so it was replaced with a comma).

9. Correct: Theodore Roosevelt wasn't the brother of FDR; he was FDR's 5th cousin.
(These are closely related independent clauses)

10. Correction made: Theodore Roosevelt became our 25th president on the assassination of William McKinley.
(The semicolon was removed after president because you need an independent clause after a semicolon).