Semicolons and Colons
Learning Goals:
Understand the differences between the semicolon and colon.
Learn how to use semicolon and colon in order to produce more effective writing that uses a variety of punctuation.
Semicolons and Colons - The Basics
Use a semicolon:
Quiz: http://www.quia.com/quiz/300690.html
Sources:
Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.
Understand the differences between the semicolon and colon.
Learn how to use semicolon and colon in order to produce more effective writing that uses a variety of punctuation.
Semicolons and Colons - The Basics
Use a semicolon:
- to separate items in a series if some of the items contain commas.
Example: The group I invited includes Martin, my next door neighbour; Estella, a co-worker; and Tran, a fellow I run with.
- in place of a conjunction to separate related independent clauses.
Example: I've brought you some flowers; it's the least I can do.
- after an independent clause to introduce a list, a quotation, or an appositive. An appositive is a noun or pronoun that identifies, renames, or explains another nouns or pronoun that comes before it.
Examples: An atom has three parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
George Orwell's novel 1984 begins with an intriguing statement: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
Next week, this theatre is showing the 1998 Academy Award winner for Best Picture: Shakespeare in Love.
- However, if the words preceding the list, quotation, or appositive are not an independent clause, no colon is necessary.
Example: The three parts of an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- To join to independent clauses when the second clause is a summary, explanation, or logical result of the first clause.
Example: I am very impressed with her: she never seems to slow down. (a semicolon would also work in this case).
Quiz: http://www.quia.com/quiz/300690.html
Sources:
Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.