SEMICOLONS & COLONS I can use semicolons and colons correctly in writing.
Semicolon (;) Rules 1. Use a semicolon to join independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. 1A. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in meaning if they are not joined by FANBOYS. (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) First, I had a sandwich and a glass of milk, and then I called you for the homework assignment. First, I had a sandwich and a glass of milk; then I called you for the homework assignment. Patty likes to act, but her sister gets stage fright. Patty likes to act; her sister gets stage fright. 1B. Use a semicolon to take the place of a period to join two or more clauses that are closely related. Manuel looked out at the downpour. Then he put on his raincoat and boots. {Two simple sentences} Manuel looked out at the downpour; then he put on his raincoat and boots. {One compound sentence} Rain soaked the earth. Plants became green. Fragrant flowers bloomed. {3 simple sentences} Rain soaked the earth; plants became green; fragrant flowers bloomed. {One compound sentence}
Semicolon (;) Rules 2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression. Commonly used conjunctive adverbs accordingly also furthermore besides consequently furthermore meanwhile moreover nevertheless next otherwise still then therefore Commonly used transitional expressions as a result for example for instance in addition in fact that is on the other hand in other words
Rule 2 Examples Katniss felt scared; however, she soon made a new friend. My pet dragon does unusual tricks; for example, he rings a bell and says, Wow. *Notice that the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase is preceded by a semicolon (;) and followed by a comma (,).
Semicolon (;) Rules 3. A semicolon, instead of a comma, may be needed to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the clauses already contain commas. Alana, Eric, and Kim voted for Black Widow; and Scott, Roland, and Vanessa voted for Tony Stark. Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Peter Parker saw a huge, green cloud traveling his direction; and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the city would be eaten by a horde of man-eating grasshoppers.
Semicolon (;) Rules 4. Use a semicolon between items in a series if the series contains commas. I would like to introduce Iron Man, the machine; Bruce Banner, the scientist; Thor, the god; Black Widow and Hawkeye, the mere mortals. I have traveled to Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Quantico, Virginia; Orlando, Florida; and Santa Cruz, California this year. The Superhero Club will meet on Wednesday, September 12; Wednesday, September 19; and Tuesday, September 25.
Colon (:) Rules 1. Use a colon to mean note what follows 1A. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like the following and as follows 1B. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation. 1C. Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of the first clause
Colon (:) Examples 1A. You will need to bring the following equipment: a bow and arrow, lots of arrows, and a huge ego. 1B. Tony Stark had this to say: I had my eyes opened. I came to realize that I had more to offer this world than just making things that blow up. And that is why, effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark Industries. 1C. Thor had many qualities: He had a quick temper, was a fierce fighter, and was a great protector.
Colon (:) Rules 2. Use a colon in certain conventional situations 2A. Use a colon between the hour and the minute. 2B. Use a colon between titles and subtitles. 2C. Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.
Colon (:) Examples 2A. 10:30 A.M. 6:00 P.M. 2B. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2C. Dear Dr. Evil: To Whom It May Concern: