9 Grammar Semicolons & Colons

1. 9 GrammarSemicolons & Colons Rules for punctuation

2. Semicolons • Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses containing similar or contrasting ideas • Often, the independent clauses connected by a semicolon are similar to one another in structure as well as meaning • You can bring out the tight connection (like cause/effect or compare/contrast) between two statements by joining them with a semicolon

3. Semicolons (12m) • Use a semicolon between independent clauses if they are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) • Our goal was to run ten miles; we only ran five. • Our goal was to run ten miles, but we only ran five. • The polls close at eight; we must hurry. • The polls close at eight, so we must hurry.

4. Semicolons (12n) • Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression (for example, in fact, etc) • To mark a pause after the conjunctive adverb, insert a comma. (Exception: No comma is necessary if the conjunctive adverb is one syllable.) • I shall try to convince him; however, I am not hopeful. • Frank often arrives late to work; still he is a valuable employee.

5. Semicolons (12o) • Use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that already contain commas • Bess, who was suffering from laryngitis, was unable to make the speech; but Alan delivered it for her. • Joan’s husband, sister, and brother-in-law enjoyed the movie; but Joan did not like it because it was scary.

6. Semicolons (12p) • Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items already contain commas • Winners are Ted Dixon, Bedford, Virginia; Bert Wallace, Aiken, South Carolina; and Nicholas Brown, Roxboro, North Carolina.

7. Colons (12q) • Use a colon before a list of items (usually introduced by words like the following, asfollows, thus, these, etc) following an independent clause • He visited these places: Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. • I want an assistant who can do the following: input data, write reports, and complete tax forms.

8. Colons • Do not use a colon before a list that follows a verb or a preposition • He visited: Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. (direct objects) • The countries visited are: Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. (predicate nominatives)

9. Colons (12r) • Use a colon in certain conventional situations • Use a colon between the hour and the minute • 8:00 • Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter • To Whom It May Concern: • Use a colon between chapter and verse in referring to passages from the Bible • Exodus 1:6-14 • Use a colon between a title and a subtitle • “Shakespeare and His Theater: A Perfect Match”

10. Colons • Use a colon to introduce a clause that explains, summarizes, or illustrates the first clause • His intention is clear:he does not plan to return. • Garlic is used in Italian cooking:It enhances flavor of pasta dishes. It also enhances the flavor of eggplant. • If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence that follows.

11. Colons • Make sure you have a complete statement before a colon • Occupations involving animals interest me: marine biologist, dog trainer, veterinarian. • Occupations that interest me: marine biologist, dog trainer, veterinarian.

12. Colons • Like a semicolon, a colon must be preceded by a complete statement. But remember that unlike a semicolon, a colon need not be followed by a whole statement.

13. Colons • Use a colon to introduce a formal appositive that follows an independent clause • I jumped when I saw his pet: a boa constrictor.

14. Colons • Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation that does not contain a “he said/she said” expression • I remember Edward VIII’s abdication statement: “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.”