SEMICOLONS AND COLONS
Learning Goal: Understand the proper uses of the semi-colon and colon. Aim to use the semi-colon and colon more in own writing to use punctuation to build flow and provide variety (both in sentence lengths and punctuation use).
How to use a Semicolon:
Rules for using Semicolon and Colons Explained: (two links - be sure to read BOTH!)
Check out this inforgraphic from "The Oatmeal"; it explains how to use a semicolon - click here!
Rules for using the Colon from GrammarBook.com - Click here!
As we work our way through the punctuation unit, it's important to remember that each of these punctuation marks serve a purpose. However, using a variety of punctuation marks can help build flow in your writing and help you take control of it (and your reader). Can you feel the power already? It's intoxicating.
Occasionally, students make the mistake of latching on to one certain punctuation mark. Hey, I get it. The first time I learned to use the semicolon, I was so excited it made its way into every sentence too. Your goal should be to use all of the punctuation marks covered in this unit as tools to create balance and flow in your writing. Look at punctuation marks literally like tools, providing emphasis, pauses, pace, and rhythm on the page. So, yes, the semicolon and colon are ways you can take control of how your reader reads and, thus, understands your ideas.
So far, you should be seeing the comma pop up more frequently now that you know how to use it in more than one way; further, it's time to give the semicolon and colon a try too. Make a concerted effort to use them (without overusing or abusing them) in your writing now.
Check out this inforgraphic from "The Oatmeal"; it explains how to use a semicolon - click here!
Rules for using the Colon from GrammarBook.com - Click here!
As we work our way through the punctuation unit, it's important to remember that each of these punctuation marks serve a purpose. However, using a variety of punctuation marks can help build flow in your writing and help you take control of it (and your reader). Can you feel the power already? It's intoxicating.
Occasionally, students make the mistake of latching on to one certain punctuation mark. Hey, I get it. The first time I learned to use the semicolon, I was so excited it made its way into every sentence too. Your goal should be to use all of the punctuation marks covered in this unit as tools to create balance and flow in your writing. Look at punctuation marks literally like tools, providing emphasis, pauses, pace, and rhythm on the page. So, yes, the semicolon and colon are ways you can take control of how your reader reads and, thus, understands your ideas.
So far, you should be seeing the comma pop up more frequently now that you know how to use it in more than one way; further, it's time to give the semicolon and colon a try too. Make a concerted effort to use them (without overusing or abusing them) in your writing now.