End Punctuation- Online GED classes

In this lesson, we will explain how the end punctuation must be used in Standard English.

This lesson is a part of Onsego GED Prep.

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1. Which end punctuation mark is the appropriate choice for ending the sentence.

A.Would I enjoy this career?

B.Would I enjoy this career!

C.Would I enjoy this career.

D.All answers are correct.

Question 1 of 2

2. Which end punctuation mark is the appropriate choice for ending the sentence.

A.Stop. I really don't want to get wet.

B.Stop! I really don't want to get wet.

C.Stop? I really don't want to get wet.

D.All answers are correct.

Question 2 of 2

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Video Transcription

In the language test, you’ll often see a mini-story with incomplete sentences. Your job is to choose the correct version from the choices provided.

Sometimes, you’ll need to pick between a comma, a period, or a semicolon. These punctuation marks may look similar, but they have different jobs in writing. Once you know the rules, choosing the right one will be simple!

Using Commas

We’ve already talked about commas in a previous lesson, so you know they’re like small pauses in a sentence.

But commas also help combine two short sentences into one smoother, longer sentence. To do this, we use words called conjunctions—like and, but, or, so, and yet.

Here’s the key rule to remember:

When you combine two short sentences with one of these words, you need to put a comma before the conjunction.

Let’s see how this works with an example:

We have two short sentences:

• I wanted to go to the park.
• It started raining.

We can combine these two sentences into one:

I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.

Notice how we placed a comma right before the word but. That’s because we’re joining two complete thoughts with a conjunction.

Using Semicolons

Now, let’s move to semicolons.

A semicolon connects two related sentences without using a conjunction. It’s a way to say, “These ideas are connected, but I don’t need a word like and or but to join them.”

Here’s how that looks with the same example:

I wanted to go to the park; it started raining.

Both parts of this sentence could stand alone as complete thoughts, but using a semicolon shows they’re closely connected.

Quick Comparison

Use a comma when you combine two short sentences with a word like and, but, or so.

Use a semicolon to connect two related sentences without using a word like and or but.

With these simple rules, you’ll know when to use a comma and when to use a semicolon.

Ready to try a few questions? Let’s practice!

Last Updated on October 19, 2025.