When does a quotation take a colon instead of a comma?

When a complete sentence introduces it. The coach repeated the advice he gives every runner: “Start slow and finish fast.” After a speaking verb alone, as in she said, a comma is the usual mark.

How do I find the semicolon in a long sentence?

Look for the two main clauses. Although the forecast called for sun, fog covered the lake; therefore, the trip moved. The although clause belongs to the first main clause, so the semicolon goes before therefore.

Does the word after a semicolon ever start with a capital?

Only when the word is always capitalized, like the name Fatima. The conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, instead) stay lowercase and take a comma after them.

8th grade semicolons and colons

8th grade semicolons and colons worksheets

Eighth graders use the same two marks in longer sentences. A semicolon often joins two main clauses when one of them already carries a dependent clause, as in although the drill ran long, the test started on time; however, nobody finished. A colon can also introduce a quotation, as long as a complete sentence comes before it.

Free printable PDF worksheet.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of sentences you'll fix

Write the semicolon or the colon that each sentence needs on the line.

The library closes at four on Fridays (: / ;) consequently, the students who need the computers come in at lunch.
Fixed: The library closes at four on Fridays ; consequently, the students who need the computers come in at lunch.
Before the race, Coach Brennan repeated the advice he gives every runner (: / ;) “Start slow and finish fast.”
Our principal closed the assembly with a line that she keeps taped to her desk (: / ;) “Kindness is never wasted.”

Every print pulls a new set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different mix.

What's on an 8th grade sheet

8th grade sheets draw from 52 sentences, 7 to a page. None of these sentences are on 7th grade sheets. 7th grade sheets print 8 to a page.

A few of the sentences:

We left before dawn so that we could beat the traffic; nevertheless, we sat on the bridge for an hour.
Every living cell needs the same few things: water, energy, and a way to get rid of waste.
The sign that the volunteers painted for the shelter carries a single message: “Everyone eats.”

Fix it. Write the semicolon or the colon that each sentence needs on the line. 7 sentences to fix per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.

How to teach this

Long sentences hide their main clauses, so have students underline the subject and verb of each main clause before they decide. Dependent clauses starting with because, although, when or that don't count. They ride inside a main clause. If two main clauses meet at the blank, it is usually a semicolon; a colon fits only when the second one explains the first. If one main clause ends there and a list, a name or a quotation follows, it is a colon. For the quotation items, point out that the colon is the formal choice. A comma also introduces a quotation, usually right after a speaking verb like said.

Watch for: Both marks need a complete sentence in front of them. The list is: towels, socks, and a snack puts the colon after is, which leaves the first half unfinished. A semicolon is not a fancy comma. Two clauses joined by only a comma is a comma splice, and swapping in a semicolon fixes it because the semicolon can do what the comma cannot. The word after a semicolon stays lowercase unless it is a name. The same is true after a colon in most school style guides.

Common questions about 8th grade semicolons and colons

When does a quotation take a colon instead of a comma?: When a complete sentence introduces it. The coach repeated the advice he gives every runner: “Start slow and finish fast.” After a speaking verb alone, as in she said, a comma is the usual mark.
How do I find the semicolon in a long sentence?: Look for the two main clauses. Although the forecast called for sun, fog covered the lake; therefore, the trip moved. The although clause belongs to the first main clause, so the semicolon goes before therefore.
Does the word after a semicolon ever start with a capital?: Only when the word is always capitalized, like the name Fatima. The conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, instead) stay lowercase and take a comma after them.

8th grade semicolons and colons worksheets

The kind of sentences you'll fix

What's on an 8th grade sheet

How to teach this

Common questions about 8th grade semicolons and colons

Related worksheets

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