Tap the gap where punctuation belongs, then choose the correct mark. Twelve sentences covering commas, apostrophes, and more.
Punctuation is invisible in speech but essential on the page — a single missing comma can genuinely change what a sentence means. This activity trains you to spot exactly where it belongs.
1. Each sentence has a dotted gap where a punctuation mark is missing.
2. Tap the gap to see the choices.
3. Choose the correct mark from the options shown.
4. You'll see instant feedback and a short rule explanation.
5. Complete all 12 sentences, then try the quiz below.
Punctuation shows the reader where to pause and how the words fit together. It can change the meaning completely: "Let's eat, Grandma" is an invitation, but "Let's eat Grandma" is a worry. These five groups cover most of what you need for school writing.
| Mark | Its job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comma , | Separates parts of a sentence: after an opening phrase, before a joining word such as but or so between two full clauses, between list items, and around extra information. | Before we begin, let's review the agenda. |
| Semicolon ; | Joins two full sentences that are closely related. | It was late; I decided to stay home. |
| Colon : | Comes after a complete clause to introduce a list or an explanation. | I have one goal: to finish this project. |
| Apostrophe ' | Shows belonging (sister's car, students' books) or a missing letter (what's = what is). It is not used for a simple plural. | This is my sister's car. |
| Quotation marks | Surround the exact words someone says. A comma usually comes before the spoken words, and a question mark goes inside the quotes when the quoted words are a question. | Hira said, "I will be there soon." |
Fix this: after the match we were tired so we went home
Result: After the match, we were tired, so we went home.
Some choices are a matter of style. Some writers leave out the last comma in a list ("apples, oranges and pears"). This site keeps it, and the quiz follows that style. You may use single or double quotation marks, but stay consistent. Many British writers write dates as "4 July 2024" with no commas, while the quiz uses the "July 4, 2024" style.
Activity: write five unpunctuated sentences on the board, including one with a comma splice. Learners add the punctuation on their own, then compare answers in pairs and explain each mark in one sentence.
10 questions. Select an answer for each, then submit to see your score instantly.