COMMA OR SEMICOLON? 1
B2–C1 · AdvancedA semicolon can join closely related independent clauses, while commas serve different roles within and between clauses. Choose the punctuation that fits the sentence structure.
Choose whether a comma or a semicolon is needed to complete each sentence.
1. He told me to wait _______ but I didn't.
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2. That was Thomas _______ my husband.
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3. He couldn't afford the big house _______ however, he was able to buy a smaller one.
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4. The guests were Tom, an architect _______ Rachel, a doctor _______ and Bill, a dentist.
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5. The guests were German _______ French _______ and Italian.
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6. He was drunk _______ this is why he crashed the car.
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7. He didn't really laugh at them _______ he just smiled.
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8. I like to read _______ and I like to write as well.
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9. He wants to make a lot of money _______ in fact, he wants to be a millionaire.
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10. He traveled to Frankfurt, Germany _______ Paris, France _______ and Barcelona, Spain.
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11. He didn't wait _______ he just left.
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12. He called her _______ but she didn't hear him.
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13. Yes _______ I do know how to make that dish.
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14. He said he would correct my mistakes by Thursday _______ however, he was only able to do this on Friday.
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15. He brought Frank, his brother _______ Yvonne, his daughter _______ and his mother.
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16. We flew to Manchester _______ not Amsterdam.
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17. Although he really wanted to go to the game _______ he didn't have enough money for a ticket.
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18. Having a cat is great _______ having two is even better.
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19. Having a cat is great _______ but having two is even better.
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20. There are three ways to get there: by plane, which is expensive _______ by train, which can also be expensive _______ and by bus, which is the cheapest option.
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Remember to check out our other free advanced English punctuation exercises:
Abbreviations 1
Apostrophe usage 1
Capitalization 1
Capitalization 2
Comma, semicolon, or colon? 1
Abbreviations 1
Apostrophe usage 1
Capitalization 1
Capitalization 2
Comma, semicolon, or colon? 1
