EXPANDING YOUR PUNCTUATION USE!

The Colon and Semicolon

First, a little humor…

What Benefits does using a semicolon have over using a coma? (Note: they are not necessarily

interchangeable)

Rules of the Semicolon

1: Suggests a close relationship between the first and second sentences: complete sentence + semicolon + complete sentence

*** Note that the sentences must both be complete, independent clauses. A comma cannot be used to separate two complete, independent clauses,

this is called a coma slice 2: A Semicolon can be used to break up items in a list

that is long and may already contain comas.*** Note that this is the only time a semicolon is used as a coma

3: Do NOT use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.)

Rule #1

I am going home; I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.

Rule #2

There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.

This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Rule #3

I am going home; and I intend to stay there

It rained heavily in the afternoon; but we managed to have our picnic anyway.

Mary ate dinner; however, she was hungry an hour later.

Mary's dinner was made with several spices; for example, the chicken was sprinkled with Cayenne pepper.

*** Okay to use: Conjunctive adverbs are words that show a relationship between the two sentences: cause and effect, contrast, or comparison etc.: however, besides, finally, and hence. Transitional phrases move one sentence to the next in a logical way: in other words, moreover, and in addition.

Rules of the Colon

1: Used to join two sentences when a second sentence is needed to clarify or explain the first one: complete sentence + colon + complete sentence

2: Or, complete sentence + colon + clarifying noun phrase *** This is the only situation where using an

incomplete sentence after the colon is okay. 3: Colons may also precede a list: complete sentence +

colon + list *** Do NOT use a colon without a complete

sentence, not after “such as” or “for example” or “including”4: Before a quote: complete sentence + colon + quote

Rule #1

I believe in two things: the power of nature and the unpredictability of man.

Life is like a puzzle: half the fun is in trying to work it out.

Don’t bother coming over anymore: I’m not feeling well enough to meet up.

Rule #2

• She found their scaredy-cat dogs hiding in two different rooms: the living room and the bedroom.

• They could attribute his success to one thing: determination.

Rule #3

It is by the fortune of God that, in this country, we have three benefits: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the wisdom never to use either. (Mark Twain)

Rule #4

I try to live by a quote from Gone With the Wind: “After all, tomorrow is another day!”

Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”

For Further Explanation and Examples…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwN4qvHAwo