Punctuation Test
A Test on Using Punctuation
This test is linked to the entry on punctuation in Grammar Monster's glossary.Test your knowledge of apostrophes, brackets, colons, commas, dashes, hyphens, semicolons, and speech marks. (There are lots more grammar tests here.)
Interactive Test
Your score:Instructions: Click on each grey area and then name the missing punctuation.
Hint: For these tests, place punctuation inside quotation marks. For example:
- "I know," she said.
- "I know", she said.
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
See Also
Apostrophes
- overview
- used incorrectly with plurals (e.g. two cat's.)
- in time expressions (e.g. year's salary)
- to replace letters (e.g. can't)
- to show the plural of abbreviations (e.g. SOS's)
- to show possession (e.g. dog's dinner)
- test
Brackets
Colons
- to extend a sentence (e.g. ...one trait: bravery.)
- in references (e.g. Para. 4: Section 2)
- for introductions (e.g. ...the following: A and B.)
- with bullet points
- before quotations
Commas
- after 'setting the scene' (e.g. At 4 o'clock, I went...)
- after a transitional phrase (e.g. However, it is...)
- after an interjection (e.g. Yes, I know...)
- before a conjunction (e.g. ...the end, but only when...)
- to replace brackets (e.g. Simon, the last man, saw...)
- in lists (e.g. egg, milk and butter)
- with a long subject (e.g. A, B and C, are required...)
- with numbers (e.g. 2,232)
- with speech marks (e.g. He yelled, 'Get out!')
- when addressing someone (e.g. That's true, Simon.)
- test
Dashes
- to extend a sentence (e.g. ...one trait - bravery.)
- to replace brackets (e.g. Simon - the last man - saw...)
Hyphens
- in compound adjectives (e.g. two-seater aircraft)
- in compound nouns (e.g. cooking-oil)
- in prefixes (ex-President)
- alternatives to hyphens (e.g. a "come here" look)
Semicolons
- before conjunctions (e.g. ...is true; but the other one...)
- before transitional phrases (e.g. ...he knew; as a result, I was...)
- in lists (e.g. the master, aged 81; the servant, aged 19)
- to extend a sentence (e.g. It was serious; I broke a toe.)
Speech Marks
Technical Help
Download a Free Grammar CheckerDownload Grammarly's app to help with eliminating grammar errors and finding the right words.
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Self Help
"Smashing Grammar" (2019)Written by the founder of Grammar Monster, "Smashing Grammar" includes a glossary of grammar essentials (from apostrophes to zeugma) and a chapter on easily confused words (from affect/effect to whether/if). Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real-life, entertaining examples. All entries conclude with a section highlighting why the grammar point is relevant for a writer and top-level bullet points summarizing the entry. [More…]
"Grammar for Grown-ups" (2011)Vocational rather than academic, "Grammar for Grown-ups" is packed with real-life examples and keeps you engaged with a wealth of great quotations from Homer the Greek to Homer the Simpson. Straight talking and methodical, Craig Shrives draws on his years compiling Grammar Monster and as an army officer to present a comprehensive but light-hearted and easily digestible grammar reference guide. [More…]
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