Semicolons & Colons

Semicolons & Colons

What is a Semicolon?

A semicolon (;) looks like a combination of a period and a comma — and that's exactly what it is.

Definition:

Function:

Semicolons serve two main purposes:

Separate complete thoughts like periods; separate items like commas.

Semicolon Rules Overview

• Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) • Use semicolons before coordinating conjunctions joining clauses that already contain commas • Use semicolons between items in a series when the items contain commas • Remember: The clauses you connect must be closely related in meaning

Semicolon Examples

Series with Commas:

Between Independent Clauses:

Use a semicolon to join two complete, related thoughts.

Use semicolons to separate items that already contain commas.

example:

example:

I went to the store; I needed milk.

Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Tokyo, Japan.

What is a Colon?

A colon introduces lists, explanations, quotations, and formal statements.

Function:

Reminder:

Do not use a colon between a verb and its object or a preposition and its object.

The colon signals: "Here comes more!"

Colon Rules Overview

• Use a colon before lists, especially after "the following" or "follows" • Use a colon before long formal statements or quotations • Use a colon between hour and minute in time (3:30 p.m.) • Use a colon after business letter salutations (Dear Sir:) • Use a colon in biblical references (John 3:16) and between titles/subtitles

Important Definitions

Receives the action of the verb (answers WHOM? or WHAT?)

Direct Object:

Indirect Object:

Tells TO WHOM or FOR WHOM the action is done.

Preposition: shows relationship

Colon Usage Examples

Time & Salutation:

Before a List:

You will need the following: pencils, notebooks, and a calculator.

Colons are used in time notation and formal greetings.

examples:

example:

3:30 p.m. Dear Sir:

shopping list

Avoiding Colon Mistakes

Tips:

When writing a sentence with a colon correctly, avoid placing a colon between a verb and its object. That would would be the action of the sentence the part that completed the thought.

Semicolons vs. Colons

Colons:

Semicolons:

Link related independent clauses; separate complex list items

Introduce lists, explanations, quotations, special formats

example:

example:

"I love reading; my sister prefers movies."

"She had one goal: success."

Thank You & Questions

Semicolon and colon Board game

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