NAME: _________________________________ DATE: __________________
Using Colons, Dashes, and Parentheses
DIRECTIONS: - Combine each of the sets of sentences on the next
page into a single sentence.
● For the first four sentences, combine the sentences by using the
mark of punctuation that appears in italics at the end of the item.
● For the last four sentences, choose whatever mark of punctuation
you think is appropriate––a colon, a dash(es) or parentheses.
1. The carnival grounds were deserted. They were drenched with rain. (paired
dashes)
2. I am making breakfast tomorrow morning. Breakfast will be eggs, bacon, and
pancakes. (parens)
3. The play rehearses three days a week. The days are Monday, Wednesday,
and Thursday. (colon)
4. I can’t believe he’s telling the truth. He almost always lies. (dash)
5. I have two favorite genres of movies. They are action and romance.
6. After I presented my project, the class applauded. My project was one of the
best in the class
7. My cousin arrived for Thanksgiving. He is from Kansas.
8. She finally read the book she’d been putting off. The book was Of Mice and
Men.
NAME: _________________________________ DATE: __________________
Answer Keys:
(Answers will vary. These are sample answers.)
1. The carnival grounds—drenched with rain—were deserted.
2. I am making breakfast (eggs, bacon, and pancakes) tomorrow morning.
3. The play rehearses three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
4. I can’t believe he’s telling the truth—he almost always lies.
5. I have two favorite genres of movies: action and romance.
6. After I presented my project (one of the best in the class), the class
applauded.
7. My cousin—he is from Kansas—arrived for Thanksgiving.
8. She finally read the book she’d been putting off—Of Mice and Men.
