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Using Semicolons and Colons. ; :. Semicolons ;. “Semi” means “a part of something.” So, the word “semicolon” means “part of a colon” Pause Three main uses Join two complete thoughts that are closely related but are not joined by a connecting word
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Semicolons ; • “Semi” means “a part of something.” • So, the word “semicolon” means “part of a colon” • Pause • Three main uses • Join two complete thoughts that are closely related but are not joined by a connecting word • Our cat knocked over the can of Coke; it made a mess all over the carpet. • Join two complete thoughts with a transitional word or transitional word phrase • Juan came to our school without knowing English; nevertheless, he will graduate with the rest of his class. • Separate items in a series when the series contains commas • We drove past Taco Bell, which sells Mexican food; Dairy Queen, which sells ice cream; and Pet Smart, which sells pets and supplies.
Semicolons Practice • Some of the relatives who showed up for the party were Aunt Julie, from Rhode Island Grandma Betty, from Arizona and Cousin Louis, from Alaska. • I love most animals however, I do not like snakes. • Disneyland was filled to capacity with happy guests for the first time, the park had to turn people away. • I ate far too much Sunday dinner however, I did find room for pie. • The fly ball seemed to hover over the crowd one young fan finally caught it.
Colons : • Directs the reader’s attention to what follows it • Three main uses: • Introduce a list • On her first day of vacation, Carrie did three things: she watched a funny movie, took a long nap, and ate at her favorite restaurant. • Introduce a long or formal quotation • The autobiography of Arthur Ashe begins with a bible quotation: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight.” • Introduce an explanation • Bert suddenly cancelled his evening plans for a simple reason: his car was out of gas.
Colons Practice • There are two reasons I need a pet I get lonely and I love animals. • He went to the store for butter and came back with six other items bread, apples, toothpaste, gum, soda, and chips. • Francine felt a rush of emotion when the door opened James was home from his trip. • The teacher’s heavy bag contained only the most important things books, tests, and pens. • St. George stated this “An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.”