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Semicolons & Colons . Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses when the independent clauses are not connected by a conjunction. Incorrect : The students entered the room, the ACT booklets were handed out. Correct: The students entered the room; the ACT booklets were handed out.
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Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses when the independent clauses are not connected by a conjunction. • Incorrect: The students entered the room, the ACT booklets were handed out. • Correct: The students entered the room; the ACT booklets were handed out. • Incorrect: The bird soared the fish swam. • Correct: The bird soared; the fish swam. • Incorrect: Henry finished studying for the ACT; but he still had to take the test. • Correct: Henry finished studying for the ACT, but he still had to take the test. [These two clauses are connected by a conjunction.]
The clause on either side of the semicolon must be a complete sentence. • The night before the SAT, Ken stayed up till midnight. Never use a semicolon with a dependent clause. • Incorrect: Before he went home; Henry returned the Amsco ACT book to the library. • Correct: Before he went home, Henry returned the Amsco ACT book to the library.
The worst pandemic in history , the bubonic plague swept through Eurasia during the 1300s and killed nearly one in three people over 200 million. • A. no change • B. nearly 1 in 3 people; over 200 million • C. over 200 million; nearly 1 in 3 people. • D . Over 200 million; nearly 1 in 3 people died.
Frequently, you will see two independent clauses joined by a semicolon and a transitional adverb (such as consequently, however, furthermore, indeed, moreover, nevertheless, therefore, and thus). • Julie ate five brownies; however, Eileen ate seven. • Josh needed to buy peas; thus he ran to the market.
Semicolons between independent clausesTransitional expressions Common Transitional Expressions as a result for example for instance in fact in addition in conclusion in other words that is A transitional expression show s how ideas fit together. It makes a connection between the ideas in two independent clauses and is followed by a comma. Choral read S circle
The semicolon replaces the comma as the structural backbone of a series if the items already contain commas. • The tennis tournament featured the surprise comeback player, Koch, who dropped out last year due to injuries;the up-and-coming star Popp, who dominated the junior tour;and the current favorite, Farrington, who won five of the last six tournaments.
Colons are used after complete sentences to introduce related information that usually comes in the form of a list, an explanation, or a quotation. When you see a colon, you should know to expect elaborating information. The wedding had all the elements to make it a classic: the elegant bride, the weeping mother, and the fainting bridesmaids.
Place a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list or illustration. • Incorrect: Bring these items to the ACT, an admission ticket, pencils, erasers, and a • watch. • Correct: Bring these items to the ACT: an admission ticket, pencils, erasers, and a watch. • Incorrect: There is only one necessary personal trait, perseverance. • Correct: There is only necessary personal trait: perseverance. • WRONG: The ingredients I need to make a cake: flour, butter, sugar, and icing. • RIGHT: I need several ingredients to make a cake: flour, butter, sugar, and icing.
Do not use a colon in these examples: • Incorrect: You should bring: an admission ticket, pencils, erasers, and a watch to the • ACT. • Correct: You should bring an admission ticket, pencils, erasers, and a watch to the ACT.
There Should Never Be More Than One Colon in a Sentence. • WRONG: He brought many items on the camping trip: a tent, a sleeping bag, a full cooking set, warm clothes, and several pairs of shoes: sneakers, boots, and sandals. • RIGHT: He brought many items on the camping trip: a tent, a sleeping bag, a full cooking set, warm clothes, sneakers, boots, and sandals.
My room is frequently contaminated by my younger siblings, which can last for several hours. • A. siblings, which can last for several hoursB. siblings that can last for several hoursC. siblings it can last for several hoursD. siblings, while contamination can last several hoursE. siblings; the contamination can last for several hours
