NCERT Class 6 English Grammar Chapter 18 Punctuation Of Sentences Question And Answers Definition Of Punctuation
Punctuation refers to the symbols used in writing to separate sentences, phrases, and clauses so that their intended meaning is clear. They help us know when to pause, stop, or express something.
Kinds Of Punctuation
There are many punctuation marks. We already know and use some of them regularly, these include
- Comma (,)
- Exclamation Mark (!)
- Inverted Commas (‘ ’)
- Hill Stop (.)
- Question Mark (?)
- Semicolon (;)
- Apostrophe (,)
Here, we are focusing on the following three punctuation marks.
Semicolon (;)
Connects closely related independent clauses and separates items in a list when commas are already used.
Kinds Of Punctuation Example:
- She loves to read; her favourite genres are mystery and fantasy.
- I have lived in London, England; Paris, France; and Berlin, Germany.
Inverted Commas (‘ ’)
Indicate direct speech, dialogue, or highlight titles.
Inverted Commas Example:
- He said, ‘Hello.’
- I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird.’
Apostrophe (’)
Shows possession or contraction ofletters.
Apostrophe Example:
- Sarah’s book (possession)
- It’s (it is) a beautiful day. (contraction)
Oxford Comma
The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is a comma placed after the penultimate item (second to last) in a list of three or more items. example “They sent gifts to her sons, Vishal and Sophie.”
With the Oxford comma, it becomes clear that gifts are being sent to her sons in addition to being sent to two other people called Vishal and Sophie. Without it, it seems like the names of the sons are Vishal and Sophie.
Commonly Confused Punctuations
Colon vs. Semicolon
1. Colon (:) is used to introduce a list, explanation, or elaboration.
- Colon Example: There are three things I love: chocolate, music, and books.
2. Semicolon (;) connects closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
- Semicolon Example: She finished her work; then she went out to meet her friends.
Hyphen vs. Dash
1. Hyphen (-) joins words in a compound word or phrase.
- Hyphen Example: a well-known, high-quality product
2. Dash (—) is used to indicate a pause or break in a sentence.
- Dash Example: The concert—filled with excitement—was a tremendous success.
Apostrophe vs. Quotation Marks
1. Apostrophe (’) is used to indicate possession or contraction.
- Apostrophe Example: Sarah’s book; It’s a Beautiful Day.
2. Quotation marks (“ ”) are used to enclose direct speech or quotations.
- Quotation Example: She said, “I’ll be there at 3 PM.”
Comma vs. Semicolon
The comma is the most commonly used punctuation mark. Therefore, it is very necessary to understand when not to use it unnecessarily.
In longer sentences, confusion arises in the use of semicolon and comma. Let us learn about it in detail.
Chapter 18 Punctuation Of Sentences Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence
- He can do it?
- he can do it?
- He can do
Answer: 2. he can do it?
Question 2.
- I know it, I will apply it.
- I know it! I will apply it
- I know it, I will apply it
- I know it. I will apply it.
Answer: 1. I know it, I will apply it.
Question 3.
- He may be your friend, not mine.
- He may be your friend, not mine.
- He may be your friend, not mine,
- He may be your friend. Not mine!
Answer: 1. He may be your friend, not mine.
Question 4.
- Let us hope for the best!
- Let us hope for the best.
- Let us hope for the best,
- Let us? Hope for the best!
Answer: 1. Let us hope for the best!
Question 5.
- The weather is warm, the Sun is shining. I am going for a walk in the park. I will meet my friend there.
- The weather is warm; the Sun is shining; I am going for a walk in the park; I will meet my friend there.
- The weather is warm. The Sun is shining. I am going for a walk in the park. I will meet my friend there.
- The weather is warm; the Sun is shining. I am going for a walk in the park; I will meet my friend there.
Answer: 3. The weather is warm. The Sun is shining. I am going for a walk in the park. I will meet my friend there.
Question 6.
- Susan said I can borrow her bicycle.
- Susan said I can borrow her bicycle.
- Susan, said, I can borrow her bicycle.
- Susan said I can borrow her bicycle.
Answer: 2. Susan said I can borrow her bicycle.
Question 7.
- They visited London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin during their Europe trip.
- They visited London Paris Rome and Berlin during their Europe trip.
- They visited London; Paris; Rome; and Berlin during their Europe trip.
- They visited London, Paris, Rome and Berlin during their Europe trip.
Answer: 4. They visited London, Paris, Rome and Berlin during their Europe trip.
Question 8.
- My favourite books include Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, and The Great Gatsby.
- My favourite books include Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and The Great Gatsby.
- My favourite books include Harry Potter; Pride and Prejudice; and The Great Gatsby.
- My favourite books include Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and The Great Gatsby.
Answer: 1. My favourite books include Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, and The Great Gatsby.
Question 9.
- We had a great time at the beach playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and swimming.
- We had a great time at the beach playing volleyball building sandcastles and swimming.
- We had a great time at the beach, playing volleyball building sandcastles and swimming.
- We had a great time at the beach playing volleyball, building sandcastles and swimming.
Answer: 1. We had a great time at the beach playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and swimming.
Question 10.
- Mary has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.
- Mary has three pets; a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.
- Mary has three pets: a cat, a dog and a rabbit.
- Mary has three pets; a cat, a dog and a rabbit.
Answer: 1. Mary has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.
Question 11. Mary has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.
- The concert starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available at the door.
- The concert starts at 7:00 PM and tickets are available at the door.
- The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.
- The concert starts at 7:00 PM, and tickets are available at the door.
Answer: 1. The concert starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available at the door.
Question 12.
- Last summer, we went on a family vacation to Hawaii and had a fantastic time.
- Last summer, we went on a family vacation to Hawaii and had a fantastic time.
- Last summer we went on a family vacation to Hawaii and had a fantastic time.
- Last summer, we went on a family vacation to Hawaii and had a fantastic time.
Answer: 1. Last summer, we went on a family vacation to Hawaii and had a fantastic time.
Question 13.
- We studied the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece, Rome and China in history class.
- We studied the ancient civilisations of Egypt Greece Rome and China in history class.
- We studied the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece, Rome and China in history class.
- We studied the ancient civilisations of Egypt; Greece; Rome; and China in history class
Answer: 1. We studied the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece, Rome and China in history class.
- The train departs at 5:30 pm and arrives at 10:30 pm.
- The train departs at 5:30 PM; and arrives at 10:30 PM.
- The train departs at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at 10:30 p.m
- The train departs at 5:30 PM and arrives at 10:30 PM.
Answer: 3. The train departs at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at 10:30 p.m
Question 2. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences using appropriate punctuation marks.
- There once was a king of Persia ___________ beginning of his reign had distinguished himself by many glorious and successful conquests.
- The King of Persia___________s capital was situated in an island.
- ___________Sire replied the merchant.
- God is the greatest___________
- Who will liberate me___________
- May you do your best___________
- What is your work here___________
- Tabaqui is a mischief maker___________
- Nobody cared to cross his path___________for he was as cunning as a fox.
- “Speak then___________” cried twenty voices.
Answer:
- ,
- ‘(apostrophe)
- “sire”,
- !
- ?
- !
- ?
- -(hyphen)
- ,
- ,
Question 3. Correct the punctuation errors in the following sentences.
- The meeting will start at 3:00- make sure to be on time.
- His essay was well-written; informative, engaging, and, thoroughly researched.
- “Don’t forget to bring your umbrella”, she reminded him.
- Sam’s dog Max, is always excited to go for a walk.
- The concert was incredible, The band played all our favourite songs.
- Can you believe it! We won the lottery!
- The students completed their exams: now they eagerly await the results.
- The long-awaited day finally arrived; bringing joy to everyone.
- Is she? your daughter
- Raj is the winner; of the chess match
Answer:
- The meeting will start at 3:00; make sure to be on time.
- His essay was well-written: informative, engaging, and thoroughly researched.
- “Don’t forget to bring your umbrella,” she reminded him
- Sam’s dog, Max, is always excited to go for a walk.
- The concert was incredible! The band played all our favourite songs.
- Can you believe it? We won the lottery!
- The students completed their exams and now they eagerly await the results.
- The long-awaited day finally arrived, bringing joy to everyone.
- Is she your daughter?
- Raj is the winner of the chess match.