Colon Worksheets for High School

Print worksheet gives 6 sentences, each with a colon in it: circle correct or incorrect.

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Made at homeroomtools.comRead each sentence. Circle the word that fits.1.2.3.4.5.6.ColonsLast spring the choir toured: Dayton, Tulsa, and Omaha.incorrectcorrectYou will need: a calculator and graph paper.incorrectcorrectHer hobbies are: chess, baking, and hiking.incorrectcorrectWe had a single clue: a muddy footprint.incorrectcorrectBecause it rained: the game was moved.correctincorrectThe trip taught me something: plans change.incorrectcorrect
Made at homeroomtools.comRead each sentence. Circle the word that fits.1.2.3.4.5.6.ColonsAnswer keyLast spring the choir toured: Dayton, Tulsa, and Omaha.incorrectcorrectYou will need: a calculator and graph paper.incorrectcorrectHer hobbies are: chess, baking, and hiking.incorrectcorrectWe had a single clue: a muddy footprint.incorrectcorrectBecause it rained: the game was moved.correctincorrectThe trip taught me something: plans change.incorrectcorrect
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All 150 sentences

Correct or not? 80

  • After the bell: we walked to the bus. correct or incorrect
  • Although the lights went out: the band played on. correct or incorrect
  • The answer was obvious: we had to start over. correct or incorrect
  • The band traveled to: Austin, Reno, and Boise. correct or incorrect
  • Because it rained: the game was moved. correct or incorrect
  • Bring supplies such as: pens, tape, and glue. correct or incorrect
  • The bus to the meet leaves at 6:15 sharp. correct or incorrect
  • The cafe hires for two shifts: mornings and weekends. correct or incorrect
  • The club needs: paint, brushes, and tape. correct or incorrect
  • The debate covered three topics: taxes, transit, and housing. correct or incorrect
  • The director ended rehearsal with one line: "Know your cues." correct or incorrect
  • Doors open at 5:30 for the fall concert. correct or incorrect
  • The essay has three parts: a claim, evidence, and a conclusion. correct or incorrect
  • The experiment failed for a simple reason: the probe was unplugged. correct or incorrect
  • The fair has rides including: a carousel and a slide. correct or incorrect
  • The final round came down to three seniors: Ana, Dev, and Cole. correct or incorrect
Show all 150 sentences (134 more)

Correct or not?, continued

  • The first bell rings at 7:45 each morning. correct or incorrect
  • The form asks for two things: a signature and a date. correct or incorrect
  • The gym offers classes including: yoga and boxing. correct or incorrect
  • He applied for three jobs: lifeguard, cashier, and usher. correct or incorrect
  • He has one weakness: he cannot say no. correct or incorrect
  • He ordered: soup, salad, and bread. correct or incorrect
  • He plays board games like: chess and checkers. correct or incorrect
  • He works with: wood, clay, and metal. correct or incorrect
  • Her hobbies are: chess, baking, and hiking. correct or incorrect
  • I am saving for: a laptop and a bike. correct or incorrect
  • I enjoy sports like: tennis and golf. correct or incorrect
  • I had one goal for the summer: to earn my license. correct or incorrect
  • I know the perfect gift for Dad: a toolbox. correct or incorrect
  • If you finish early: check your work. correct or incorrect
  • The kit includes: a scale, a beaker, and a timer. correct or incorrect
  • The lab drawer contains three tools: a scale, a beaker, and a timer. correct or incorrect
  • The lab stocks metals such as: zinc, iron, and tin. correct or incorrect
  • The label on the crate was blunt: "This side up." correct or incorrect
  • Last spring the choir toured: Dayton, Tulsa, and Omaha. correct or incorrect
  • The library closes at 8:00 on weekdays. correct or incorrect
  • The main causes were: debt and drought. correct or incorrect
  • The manager repeated her warning: "No phones at the register." correct or incorrect
  • My favorite classes are: art, physics, and gym. correct or incorrect
  • My goal is: to make varsity. correct or incorrect
  • My schedule has two electives: ceramics and robotics. correct or incorrect
  • The note on the fridge was short: "Feed the cat." correct or incorrect
  • One rule matters most in the lab: never work alone. correct or incorrect
  • Only one thing could fix the engine: a new belt. correct or incorrect
  • Our shift ends at 9:30 tonight. correct or incorrect
  • Our team needs the following: cones, pinnies, and a whistle. correct or incorrect
  • Pack snacks such as: nuts, fruit, and crackers. correct or incorrect
  • Pack these items for the overnight trip: a toothbrush, a towel, and socks. correct or incorrect
  • The paint comes in: red, gray, and navy. correct or incorrect
  • Please bring: a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. correct or incorrect
  • The quiz is on: chapters four and five. correct or incorrect
  • The recipe is missing one ingredient: salt. correct or incorrect
  • Remember the first rule of editing: cut what you can. correct or incorrect
  • The road was closed: a tree had fallen across it. correct or incorrect
  • The salad is made of: kale, beans, and corn. correct or incorrect
  • Send your form to: the main office. correct or incorrect
  • She is good at: math, track, and debate. correct or incorrect
  • She made a decision: she would run for class president. correct or incorrect
  • She plays three instruments: cello, piano, and trumpet. correct or incorrect
  • She studies languages such as: Latin and Greek. correct or incorrect
  • The shop repairs devices including: phones and tablets. correct or incorrect
  • The shop teacher has a motto: "Sand with the grain." correct or incorrect
  • The store sells three sizes: small, medium, and large. correct or incorrect
  • The store sells: bikes, helmets, and locks. correct or incorrect
  • The team shared one dream: a state title. correct or incorrect
  • There is one word for that essay: brilliant. correct or incorrect
  • The three finalists were: Ana, Dev, and Cole. correct or incorrect
  • Tonight I must finish: my essay and my lab report. correct or incorrect
  • The tour leaves: at noon from the main gate. correct or incorrect
  • The tour stops in two cities: Denver and Tulsa. correct or incorrect
  • The trail passes by: a lake, a mill, and a farm. correct or incorrect
  • The trip taught me something: plans change. correct or incorrect
  • The verdict is in: our mural won first place. correct or incorrect
  • We compared three fuels: gas, diesel, and ethanol. correct or incorrect
  • We grow herbs such as: basil, mint, and dill. correct or incorrect
  • We had a single clue: a muddy footprint. correct or incorrect
  • We talked about: jobs, college, and travel. correct or incorrect
  • When the timer rang: we set down our pens. correct or incorrect
  • The winners of the raffle are: the juniors. correct or incorrect
  • You will need: a calculator and graph paper. correct or incorrect

Colon or comma? 70

  • After a long delay___ the plane took off. colon or comma
  • After the last bell___ we ran for the bus. colon or comma
  • Although she was nervous___ she sang the solo. colon or comma
  • As the sun set___ the campers lit a fire. colon or comma
  • Band___ art, and coding are electives. colon or comma
  • Because the field flooded___ the meet was moved inside. colon or comma
  • Before the test___ I sharpened two pencils. colon or comma
  • Choose one elective___ band, art, or coding. colon or comma
  • Dana replied___ "I already sent it." colon or comma
  • Dear Admissions Office___ (business letter) colon or comma
  • Dear Grandma___ (friendly letter) colon or comma
  • Dear Hiring Manager___ (business letter) colon or comma
  • Dear Jordan___ (friendly letter) colon or comma
  • Dear Scholarship Committee___ (business letter) colon or comma
  • Dear Uncle Theo___ (friendly letter) colon or comma
  • The delay had one cause___ the printer was out of ink. colon or comma
  • Each camper needs the following___ a bowl, a spoon, and a mug. colon or comma
  • The guide whispered___ "Watch your step." colon or comma
  • The gym was empty___ and the lights were off. colon or comma
  • The gym was empty___ practice had been canceled. colon or comma
  • He applied early___ but he heard nothing back. colon or comma
  • He had a problem___ his ride had left without him. colon or comma
  • He sanded___ primed, and painted the fence. colon or comma
  • He speaks Dutch___ Polish, and Thai. colon or comma
  • Her advice was simple___ read the question twice. colon or comma
  • Her bag held three snacks___ nuts, an apple, and a granola bar. colon or comma
  • Her text held two words___ "Call me." colon or comma
  • I have three finals today___ chemistry, Spanish, and history. colon or comma
  • I learned one thing___ never skip the outline. colon or comma
  • I studied all night___ but the quiz was canceled. colon or comma
  • I washed___ dried, and folded the uniforms. colon or comma
  • If you get there first___ save me a seat. colon or comma
  • The lab tests three metals___ zinc, iron, and tin. colon or comma
  • The lab tests zinc___ iron, and tin. colon or comma
  • The last slide was clear___ "Cite your sources." colon or comma
  • The lesson is clear___ back up your files. colon or comma
  • The menu offers three sides___ rice, beans, and slaw. colon or comma
  • The mural uses three colors___ teal, gold, and white. colon or comma
  • My boss asked___ "Can you close tonight?" colon or comma
  • My boss has a rule___ "Count the drawer twice." colon or comma
  • My choice was easy___ I took the morning shift. colon or comma
  • My resume lists three skills___ typing, Spanish, and CPR. colon or comma
  • The news was good___ every senior had passed. colon or comma
  • No___ the lab report is not due today. colon or comma
  • Once the paint dries___ hang the poster. colon or comma
  • Pack three things___ a towel, a hat, and water. colon or comma
  • The plan failed___ nobody had checked the weather. colon or comma
  • The quilt uses three fabrics___ denim, flannel, and felt. colon or comma
  • The referee gave one order___ "Play on." colon or comma
  • The referee said___ "Play on." colon or comma
  • The result surprised us___ the control group won. colon or comma
  • The route crosses three states___ Utah, Idaho, and Montana. colon or comma
  • The rule is firm___ late work loses a letter grade. colon or comma
  • The salad has kale___ beans, and corn. colon or comma
  • The score says it all___ we need more practice. colon or comma
  • She missed the bus___ so she walked to work. colon or comma
  • The shop sells three things___ bikes, helmets, and locks. colon or comma
  • Since the bridge is out___ take the river road. colon or comma
  • Three clubs meet on Friday___ chess, drama, and robotics. colon or comma
  • To the Editor___ (business letter) colon or comma
  • The trail was washed out___ so we camped by the creek. colon or comma
  • Unless it snows___ practice starts at four. colon or comma
  • We agreed on a plan___ I would drive and she would navigate. colon or comma
  • We can drive___ or we can take the train. colon or comma
  • We moved to Tulsa___ Oklahoma, in May. colon or comma
  • We packed towels___ hats, and water. colon or comma
  • We toured three campuses___ one large, one small, and one online. colon or comma
  • When the buzzer sounded___ we dropped our pencils. colon or comma
  • While the glue dried___ we cleaned the tables. colon or comma
  • Yes___ I can cover your shift. colon or comma

How this list was compiled: Written for this page. In the first set each sentence is printed with a colon, to mark correct or incorrect. A colon is correct after a complete sentence that points ahead to a list, an explanation, a word that renames what came before or a quotation, and between the hour and the minutes of a time; it is incorrect after a verb, after a preposition, after such as, including or like, and after an opening clause that cannot stand alone. In the second set the mark is a blank, with the words colon and comma under it: a colon after a complete sentence before a list of three, an explanation or a quotation, and after the greeting of a business letter; a comma after an opening clause, between the items of a list, before and, but, or and so between two sentences, after said or asked before spoken words, after yes or no, between a city and its state, and after the greeting of a friendly letter. The rules follow the Purdue Online Writing Lab, Punctuation Overview (a colon after an independent clause when it is followed by a list, a quotation, an appositive or other ideas directly related to it; at the end of a business letter greeting; between the hour and the minutes; and its rules for the comma), owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/punctuation/index.html, and the Wikipedia article Colon (punctuation), section Usage in English (a complete sentence precedes a colon), en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_(punctuation), read 16 October 2026. Using a colon to introduce a list or quotation is standard L.9-10.2b of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, and commas in the greetings of letters L.2.2b, published at thecorestandards.org and read the same day. Lists on the sheets take a comma before and. First names are made up; no person, brand or character is named. Licence: own work

How it works

A colon follows a complete sentence and points ahead to a list, an explanation or a quotation. Half of these sentences use it that way. The rest put it after a verb, a preposition or such as.

Read the full guide

Correct or incorrect

Cover everything after the colon. If what is left is a complete sentence, the colon can stand: The recipe is missing one ingredient: salt. If it is not, the colon is wrong: My favorite classes are: art, physics, and gym. A colon between the hour and the minutes, as in 7:45, is correct.

Colon or comma

Under Set, pick Colon or comma? Now the mark is a blank, with the two words under it. The referee gave one order takes a colon before the quotation; The referee said takes a comma. Dear Hiring Manager takes a colon in a business letter, and Dear Grandma takes a comma in a friendly one.

  • Lists on these sheets take a comma before and: a scale, a beaker, and a timer.
  • After a colon, American English lets a full sentence start with a capital; British English does not. Outside quotations, these sheets use a small letter.

Questions and answers

What grade learns to use a colon?

Grades 9 and 10 in the Common Core: standard L.9-10.2b reads Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation. The comma in the greeting of a friendly letter is second grade, L.2.2b.

Can a colon come after such as or including?

No. Such as and including already introduce the list, and the words before the colon would not make a complete sentence. We grow herbs such as basil, mint, and dill needs no mark there at all.

What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

A semicolon joins two complete sentences of equal emphasis. A colon joins them when the second is the one to emphasize, and it also introduces a list, a quotation or a renaming word. These sheets practice the colon only.

Do the colon worksheets have an answer key?

Yes. The last page is the key, with the right choice circled under each sentence. Uncheck Add an answer key as the last page under More options to print the sheet alone.

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