semicolons & colons

semicolons

&

colons :;

Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely

related in meaning if they are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet

example

First, I had a sandwich and a glass of milk, and then I went to the couch to take a nap.

First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk; then I went to the couch to take a nap.

example

With comma and FANBOY word:Patty likes to act, but she sometimes gets stage

fright.

With semicolon:Patty likes to act; she sometimes gets stage

fright.

you try.

1) Manuel looked out at the downpour; then he put on his raincoat and boots.

1) Manuel looked out at the downpour, and then he put on his raincoat and boots.

you try.

2) Energy released during an earthquake is tremendous; it can equal the explosive force of 180 metric tons of TNT.

2) Energy released during an earthquake is tremendous, and it can equal the explosive force of 180 metric tons of TNT.

You can also use a semicolon to take the place of a period to join two

or more independent clauses that are closely related.

example

Rain soaked the earth. Plants became green. Fragrant flowers bloomed.

Rain soaked the earth; plants became green; fragrant flowers bloomed.

Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a

conjunctive adverb or transitional expression

Commonly used conjunctive adverbs:accordinglyalsobesidesconsequentlyfurthermorehoweverindeedinstead

meanwhilemoreoverneverthelessnextotherwisestillthentherefore

Commonly used transitional expressions:

as a resultfor examplefor instancein addition

in factthat ison the other handin other words

examples

Our student council voted to have a Crazy Clothes Day; the principal, however, vetoed the idea.

That quilt is quite old; it is, in fact, filled with cotton, not polyester, batting.

A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate

independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the

clauses contain commas.

examples

Confusing:Alana, Erik, and Kim voted for her, and Scott,

Roland, and Vanessa voted for Jason.

Clear:Alana, Erik, and Kim voted for her; and Scott,

Roland, and Vanessa voted for Jason.

you try.

3) My mother and I sometimes go to Massachusetts in late summer; however, last year we went in July.

3) My mother and I sometimes go to Massachusetts in late summer, however, last year we went in July.

you try.

4) One hot day my mother, my grandparents, and I went to the beach; and my grandfather, the most active man I know, immediately went down to the water for a swim.

4) One hot day my mother, my grandparents, and I went to the beach, and my grandfather, the most active man I know, immediately went down to the water for a swim.

Use a colon to mean “note what follows.”

The only things you are allowed to bring into the examination are as follows: pencils, calculators and ID cards.

The exception here is to not use a colon between a verb and its complements or between a preposition and its objectsAt the new amusement park we rode: the roller coaster, the Ferris

wheel, and the bumper cars.At the new amusement park we rode the roller coaster, the Ferris

wheel, and the bumper cars

Our family has lived in: California, Arizona, and Texas.Our family has lived in California, Arizona, and Texas.Our family has lived in the following states: California,

Arizona, and Texas

Use a colon before a list of items, especially after the expressions like

“the following” and “as follows”

example

You will need to bring the following equipment: a sleeping bag, a warm sweater, and extra socks.

Additional supplies are as follows: a toothbrush, toothpaste, a change of clothes, and a pillow.

Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation.

Horace Mann had this to say: “Do not think of knocking another person’s brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself ten years ago.”

Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of

the first.

Thomas Jefferson had many talents: He was a writer, a politician, an architect, and an inventor.

you try.

5) Mrs. Hughes named the three students who had completed extra projects: Marshall, Elena, and Alex.

5) Mrs. Hughes named the three students who had completed extra projects Marshall, Elena, and Alex.

Use a colon in the following conventional situations:

- between the hour and minute (and second).He ran his first marathon in 3:05:24.

- between chapter and verse in Biblical referencesThe lyrics to that Byrds song can be found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

- between the title and subtitleThe Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to his White Mother

- after the salutation of a business letterDear Mr. President: