Question

using semicolons quick check
which sentence requires semicolons instead of commas? (1 point)
the high-school softball team is lead by captains marisa martino, rachel morison, and lisa fiore.
the captains of the high-school softball team are pitcher, marisa martino, outfielder, rachel morison, and catcher, lisa fiore.
the captains of the high-school softball team are marisa martino, rachel morison, and lisa fiore.
the captains of the high-school softball team are the pitcher, the catcher, and an outfielder.

Explanation:

To determine which sentence needs semicolons, we recall that semicolons are used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas (to avoid confusion). Let's analyze each option:

1. First option: Lists names with commas, no internal commas in items, so commas are fine.
2. Second option: Each item (e.g., "pitcher, Marisa Martino", "outfielder, Rachel Morrison", "catcher, Lisa Fiore") has a comma within it. To separate these complex items, semicolons should replace the commas between the items.
3. Third option: Lists names with commas, no internal commas in items, commas are appropriate.
4. Fourth option: Lists roles with commas, no internal commas in items, commas are appropriate.

So the sentence with complex list items (containing commas) needs semicolons.

Answer:

The captains of the high - school softball team are pitcher, Marisa Martino, outfielder, Rachel Morrison, and catcher, Lisa Fiore.