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Semicolons & Colons

Semicolons & Colons. Grammar Notes. Semicolons. 618.1 To Join Two Independent Clauses Use a semicolon to join two or more closely related independent clauses that are not connected with a coordinating conjunction. Remember: independent clauses can stand alone as a separate sentence.

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Semicolons & Colons

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  1. Semicolons & Colons Grammar Notes

  2. Semicolons • 618.1 To Join Two Independent Clauses • Use a semicolon to join two or more closely related independent clauses that are not connected with a coordinating conjunction. Remember: independent clauses can stand alone as a separate sentence. • Ex. A heart attack is a medical emergency; immediate care is required.

  3. Semicolons Continued • 618.2 With Conjunctive Adverbs • A semicolon is used before a conjunctive adverb (with a comma after it) when the word connects two independent clauses in a compound sentence. • Common conjunctive adverbs: also, besides, finally, however, indeed, instead, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, still, then, therefore, and thus. • Ex. I know that I need to finish my research for my essay; however, our Internet service is down and the library is closed. • 618.3 To Separate Groups That Contain Commas • A semicolon is used to separate groups of words that already contain commas. • Ex. Every Saturday night my little brother gathers up his things—goggles, showers cap and snorkel; bubble bath, soap, and shampoo; tapes, stereo, and rubber duck—and heads for the tub.

  4. Colons • 620.1After a Salutation • Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter. • Ex. Dear Judge Parker: • 620.2 Between Numerals Indicating Time • Use a colon between the hours, minutes , and seconds of a number indicating time. • Ex. 8:30 p.m. 10:24:55 • 620.3 For Emphasis • Use a colon to emphasize a word, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence that explains or adds impact to the main clause. • Ex. The newest candidates announced their platforms today: Lower taxes and more efficient services are the consistent themes.

  5. Colons Continued • 620.4 To Introduce a Quotation • Use a colon to formally introduce a quotation, a sentence, or a question. • Ex. Directly a voice in the corner rang out wild and clear: “I’ve got him! I’ve got him!” –Mark Twain, Roughing It • 620.6 Between a Title and a Subtitle • Use a colon to distinguish between a title and a subtitle, volume and page, and chapter and verse in literature. • Ex. Psalm 23:1-6

  6. Colons Continued • 620.5 To Introduce a List • A colon is used to introduce a list. • Ex. I got all the proper equipment: scissors, a bucket of water to keep things clean, some cotton for the stuffing, and needle and thread to sew it up. –Joan Baez, Daybreak • Note: Do not use a colon between a verb and its object or complement, or between a preposition and its object. • Incorrect: Min has (verb): a snowmobile, an ATV, and a canoe. • Correct: Min has plenty of toys: a snowmobile, an ATV, and a canoe. • Incorrect: I watch a TV show about:(preposition): cooking wild game. • Correct: I watch a TV show about a new subject: cooking wild game.

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