LEARN, PRACTICE, KNOW BY ELIZABETH BUCKHOLD Colons & Semicolons ENTER

LEARN, PRACTICE, KNOW

BY ELIZABETH BUCKHOLD

Colons & Semicolons

ENTER

Colon or Semicolon?

Where do you want to begin?

SEMICOLONSCOLONS

Colons: The Rules

There are two ways to use a colon.Rule #1

A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.

You must have the following supplies: glue, paper, and scissors.

Hints: The words proceeding the colon must be a complete sentence.

Often the words “the following”, “these” or “as follows” is in the original sentence.

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Colons: The Rules

Rule #2A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or

definition.

While on vacation, I saw the most beautiful site in the world: sunset at the Mackinaw Bridge.

Hint : The words proceeding the colon must be a complete sentence.

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Colon Practice

Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

To play basketball, you need: shoes, a towel, and a

ball.

There is one game I love above all: basketball.

Why do these: basketball players practice so much?

answer

Practice Answer

To play basketball, you need: shoes, a towel, and a ball.

Wrong! The words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence

Why do these: basketball players practice so much?

Wrong! The words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.

Nor is the ending a list or an elaboration.

There is one game I love above all: basketball.

Correct! The words preceding the colon DO form a complete sentence

while setting up for a short, but sweet, elaboration.

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Colon Questions

Try a few on your own. Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.

Is the colon used correctly?

Sometimes I sleep in English: don’t tell Mrs. Buckhold.

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HELP

Help

Colon Rules

Rule #1A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same

sentence.


definition.Return to Question

Oops!

“Sometimes I sleep in English: don’t tell Mrs. Buckhold.”is incorrect because…

…it doesn’t follow either colon rule.

…it is two complete sentences that should be joined with a semicolon.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“Sometimes I sleep in English: don’t tell Mrs. Buckhold.”is incorrect because…

…it doesn’t follow either colon rule.

…it is two complete sentences that should be joined with a semicolon.

Next Question

Colon Questions

Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.


The pledge begins with these words: “I pledge allegiance to the flag…”

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HELP

Help

Colon Rules


sentence.



Oops!


is correct because…

…it indicates an upcoming elaboration/explanation.

…the words preceding the colon for a complete sentence.

…it uses the word “these” to indicate the upcoming explanation.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!



…it indicates an upcoming elaboration/explanation.

…the words preceding the colon for a complete sentence.

…it uses the word “these” to indicate the upcoming explanation.

Next Question

Colon Questions



When my mom gets mad: she can only say one thing, “Go to your room!”

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HELP

Help

Colon Rules


sentence.



Oops!

When my mom gets mad: she can only say one thing, “Go to your room!”

is incorrect because…

…the words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.

…the phrase “she can only say one thing” isn’t a list or an elaboration.

…the colon should be placed after the word “thing.”

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“When my mom gets mad: she can only say one thing, “Go to your room!”



…the phrase “she can only say one thing” isn’t a list or an elaboration.

…the colon should be placed after the word “thing.”

Next Question

Colon Questions



Pink, yellow, and blue: these are Ashley’s favorite colors.

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Colon Rules


sentence.



Oops!

“Pink, yellow, and blue: these are Ashley’s favorite colors” is incorrect because…


…the list must be following the colon, not in front of it.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“Pink, yellow, and blue: these are Ashley’s favorite colors” is incorrect because…


…the list must be following the colon, not in front of it.

Next Question

Colon Questions



There has been only one class that has truly changed my life: senior seminar.

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Help

Colon Rules


sentence.



Oops!

“There has been only one class that has truly changed my life: senior seminar,”

is correct because

…the words preceding the colon form a complete sentence.

…the words following the colon elaborate and clarify the beginning of the sentence.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“There has been only one class that has truly changed my life: senior seminar,”

is correct because

…the words preceding the colon form a complete sentence.

…the words following the colon elaborate and clarify the beginning of the sentence.

Next

Missed three or more? Missed fewer than 2?

Click on the following link to review a few

more examples.

Congratulations! Click the following link

to discover semicolons.

How well did you do?

COLONS SEMICOLONS

Already know semicolons? Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.

The Test

Colon Review

Where does the colon belong?

There is one action movie that stands out from the rest Die Hard.

I need the following books for my literature class Julius Caesar, Beowulf, and Death of a Salesman.

All student enrolled in Publications must have taken all prerequisites CP English 11, CP Communications,

Art, and Intro to Computers.

Click here for answers

Colon Review


There is one action movie that stands out from the rest: Die Hard.

I need the following books for my literature class : Julius Caesar, Beowulf, and Death of a Salesman.

All student enrolled in Publications must have taken all

prerequisites : CP English 11, CP Communications, Art, and Intro to Computers.

Next

Colon Review


My mother always asks me the hardest question when deciding the Thanksgiving menu ham or turkey?

The following students need to report to the office Jamie, Greg, Nathan, and Josh.

Most kids who are granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to go to the happiest place on earth Walt Disney World.


Colon Review


My mother always asks me the hardest question when

deciding the Thanksgiving menu : ham or turkey?

The following students need to report to the office : Jamie, Greg, Nathan, and Josh.

Most kids who are granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to

go to the happiest place on earth : Walt Disney World.

Next

Missed two or more? Missed one or fewer?

Stop here and see your teacher for

assistance.


to discover semicolons.


SEMICOLONS

Already know semicolons? Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.

The Test

Semicolons: The Rules

There are three ways to use a semicolon.Rule #1

A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple sentences without a conjunction.

I love sweets; chocolates are my favorite.

Hints: Both sides of the semicolon must be complete sentences.

The sentences must be about the same subject matter.Simple sentences don’t contain any phrases or clauses.

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Rule #2A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with

a conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.

Some people believe semicolons and colons are interchangeable; however, they each have a separate

set of rules.

Hint : Common conjunctions: however, therefore, moreover, yet, but the fact is…

The conjunctions MUST be followed by a comma!Again, both sides of the semicolon must be complete, simple sentences.

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Rule #3A semicolon can be used in the place of a separating comma in a series/list when the items in the series/list

contain commas.

The members of the Student Senate are Rachael, freshman; David, sophomore; Ryan, junior; and Brenda,

senior.

Hint : This is uncommon and not tested on the ACT; however, it is valuable to know.

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Semicolon Practice

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

I hate walking to school; in the winter.

I need socks; a sweater; and a new pair of shoes.

My favorite color is blue, therefore; that’s the color I painted my

room.

I sharpened my pencil in the library; Mrs. Buckhold’s sharpener is

broken.answer

Practice Answer

I hate walking to school; in the winter.

Wrong! The words behind the semicolon (in the winter) don’t form a complete

sentence.

My favorite color is blue, therefore; that’s the color I painted my room.

Wrong! The semicolon goes BEFORE the conjunction and the comma goes AFTER.

I sharpened my pencil in the library; Mrs. Buckhold’s sharpener is broken.

Correct! Both sides of the semicolon are complete, simple, related sentences.

I need socks; a sweater; and a new pair of shoes.

Wrong! A semicolon is only used in a series/list when the items themselves contain

a comma.

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Semicolon Questions

Try a few on your own. Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.

Is the semicolon used correctly?My locker is in the 400 hallway; therefore, I am

always late for Art.

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HELP

Help

Semicolon RulesRule #1


Rule #2A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a

conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.

Rule #3A semicolon can be used in the place of a the separating

comma in a series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.

Return to Question

Oops!

“My locker is in the 400 hallway; therefore, I am always late for Art,” is correct because…

…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb (therefore) which is followed by a comma

…each side of the semicolon is a complete sentence.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“My locker is in the 400 hallway; therefore, I am always late for Art,”


…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb (therefore) which is followed by a comma

…each side of the semicolon is a complete sentence.

Next Question

Semicolon Questions


Is the semicolon used correctly?

The following students need to report to the office; Mike, John, Susan and Tim.

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HELP

Help







Return to Question

Oops!

“The following students need to report to the office; Mike, John, Susan and Tim,” is incorrect because…

…a colon should be used to introduce the series

…it follows none of the semicolon rules. A semicolon will never be used to introduce a series.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“The following students need to report to the office; Mike, John, Susan and Tim,” is incorrect because…

…a colon should be used to introduce the series

…it follows none of the semicolon rules. A semicolon will never be used to introduce a series.

Next Question

Semicolon Questions


Is the semicolon used correctly?Information about the characters Jack, the

choir leader; Ralph, the chosen leader; Piggy, the pudgy one with glasses; and Simon, the epileptic with black hair, will be on the test.

WRONGCORREC

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HELP

Help







Return to Question

Oops!

“Information about the characters Jack, the choir leader; Ralph, the chosen leader; Piggy, the pudgy one with glasses; and Simon, the

epileptic with black hair,* will be on the test,” is correct because…

…the semicolon is used in place of a comma in a series because the items in the series contain commas

*The final comma is used to set off the phrase. A semicolon would not be used because a semicolon only replaces a comma that separates

items in a series, such as the one preceding “and”.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“Information about the characters Jack, the choir leader; Ralph, the chosen leader; Piggy, the pudgy one with glasses; and Simon, the

epileptic with black hair,* will be on the test,” is correct because…

…the semicolon is used in place of a comma in a series because the items in the series contain commas

*The final comma is used to set off the phrase. A semicolon would not be used because a semicolon only replaces a comma that separates items in a series, such as the one preceding “and”.

Next Question

Semicolon Questions



Many people believe community service should be mandatory for high school students; however, the truth is that students will not participate unless

forced.

WRONGCORREC

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HELP

Help







Return to Question

Oops!

“Many people believe community service should be mandatory for high school students; however, the truth is that students will not

participate unless forced.”is correct because…

…the semicolon separates two complete sentences.

…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb, which is followed by a comma.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“Many people believe community service should be mandatory for high school students; however, the truth is that students will not participate

unless forced,”is correct because…

…the semicolon separates two complete sentences.

…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb, which is followed by a comma.

Next Question

Semicolon Questions



One day I was walking with my best friend, who needed someone to talk to, and we saw the birds eating seed in the park; wishing to see the birds closer, my friend and I walked up to them, held out our hands, and waited to see if the birds would eat out of

our hands.

WRONGCORREC

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HELP

Help







Return to Question

Oops!

“One day I was walking with my best friend, who needed someone to talk to, and we saw the birds eating seed in the park; wishing to see

the birds closer, my friend and I walked up to them, held out our hands, and waited to see if the birds would eat out of our hands,” is

incorrect because…

…the semicolon is connecting two complete, but complex, sentences. The sentences a semicolon connects must be simple. Otherwise, it

appears as a long, run on sentence to the reader.

IncorrectIncorrect

Try Again

Right Answer!

“One day I was walking with my best friend, who needed someone to talk to, and we saw the birds eating seed in the park; wishing to see the birds closer, my friend and I walked up to them, held out

our hands, and waited to see if the birds would eat out of our hands,”


…the semicolon is connecting two complete, but complex, sentences. The sentences a semicolon connects must be simple. Otherwise, it appears as a long, run on sentence to the reader.

Next

Missed three or more? Missed fewer than 2?

Click on the following link to review a few

more examples.


to discover colons.


COLONSSEMICOLONS

Already know colons? Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.

The Test

Semicolon Review

Where does the semicolon belong?

I had a cold on Monday therefore, I missed school.

I hit a tree on the way to school yesterday now I have to ride the bus.

In order to graduate you have to take senior seminar, where you will make your portfolio, Government, a social

studies class, and English 12, the last English class.


Semicolon Review


I had a cold on Monday ; therefore, I missed school.

I hit a tree on the way to school yesterday ; now I have to ride the bus.

In order to graduate you have to take senior seminar, where you will make your portfolio ; Government, a social studies class ; and English 12, the last English

class.

Next

Semicolon Review


My favorite type of literature is historical fiction Phillipa Gregory is my favorite author of historical fiction.

I used to eat a lot of white bread however, I now know that whole wheat bread is much healthier for me.

The English teachers at CPS are Ms. Giacobone, English 10, Mrs. Clark, English 9, Mrs. Grunert, English 11,

Mrs. Buckhold, English 11, and Mr. Miller, English 12.


Semicolon Review

Where does the semicolon belong?My favorite type of literature is historical fiction ; Phillipa

Gregory is my favorite author of historical fiction.

I used to eat a lot of white bread ; however, I now know that whole wheat bread is much healthier for me.

The English teachers at CPS are Ms. Giacobone, English 10 ;

Mrs. Clark, English 9 ; Mrs. Grunert, English 11 ; Mrs. Buckhold, English 11 ; and Mr. Miller, English 12.

Next

Missed two or more? Missed one or fewer?

Stop here and see your teacher for

assistance.


to discover colons.


COLONS

Already know colons? Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.

The Test

4) I’ve read several British works Hamlet, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Lord of the Flies.

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COLON & SEMICOLONS: THE TEST

1) On a blustery, windy day, I saw the scariest thing ever a funnel cloud.?

2)When I go to school, I always arrive late therefore, I often have detentions. ?

3) I need to have the following items my pencil, my notebook, and my novel.?

5) There is another way to use a colon it separates the hour and minutes in digital time.

?6) A semicolon may be used in a series with commas integrated however, it is rare.

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7) Which one do I use a semicolon or a colon??

8) Sometimes I use a semicolon sometimes I prefer a colon.?9) Semicolons are often confused with colons however, they aren’t

interchangeable. ?

10) The ACT English test includes my biggest weakness punctuation.?11) The Reading test includes the following prose, natural science, humanities and

social science.?

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14) My tenth grade English teacher, Mr. Smith, is effective because he is passionate about the subject of American literature moreover, he teaches it so his

students become passionate, too. ?

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COLON & SEMICOLONS: THE TEST

Turn your answers into the teacher.

15)Ever since I was a child, I have had reoccurring nightmares about a horrible, frightful thing fiery volcanoes erupting in my backyard.?

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Next

12) Ever since I was a child and read Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne,

I have wanted to travel to one place Reykjavik , Iceland ?

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13) I have an extensive list of favorite novels Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway Macbeth, by

William Shakespeare and The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown.

?? ?

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Congratulations!

THE END

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LEARN, PRACTICE, KNOW BY ELIZABETH BUCKHOLD Colons & Semicolons ENTER