SEMICOLONS AND COLONS

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USE SEMICOLONS

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Rule #1:Between two independent clauses (aka sentences) with NO coordinating conjunction

Make sure that the sentences are closely related and that their relationship is clear without a conjunction.In film, a low-angle shot

makes the subject look powerful; a high-angle shot does just the opposite.

Rule #2:Between independent clauses with a transitional expression

Conjunctive AdverbsAccordinglyAlsoAnywayBesidesCertainlyConsequentlyConverselyFinallyFurthermoreHence

HoweverIncidentallyIndeed Instead LikewiseMeanwhileMoreoverNeverthelessNextNonetheless

NowOtherwiseSimilarlySpecificallyStillSubsequentlyThenTherefore Thus

Rule #2:Between independent clauses with a transitional expression

Transitional Phrases

After allAs a matter of factAs a resultAt any rateAt the same timeEven soFor exampleFor instance

In additionIn conclusionIn factIn other wordsIn the first placeOn the contraryOn the other hand

Rule #2:Examples

An American immigrant, Levi Strauss, invented blue jeans in the 1860s; eventually, his product clothed working men throughout the West.

Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; however, the American originators still wear more jeans than anyone else.

Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; the American originators, however, still wear more jeans than anyone else.

TitleText BoxWhen a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma:

Many corals grow very gradually, in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries.

Many corals grow very gradually; in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries.

Biologists have observed laughter in primates other than humans; chimpanzees, however, sound more like they are panting than laughing.

c/s

Rule #3:Between items in a series containing internal punctuation

Classic science fiction sagas include Star Trek, with Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and Mr. Spock, Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons, and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

Without the semicolons, the reader would have to work out the major groupings, distinguishing between important and less important pauses according to the logic of the sentence.

Rule #3:Continued--

By inserting semicolons at the major breaks, the writer does this work for the reader:

Classic science fiction sagas include Star Trek, with Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and Mr. Spock; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons; and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

TitleText BoxNEVER use a semicolon to. . .Separate a subordinate clause and the rest of

the sentenceAlthough children’s literature was added to the National

Book Awards in 1969; , it has had its own award, the Newbery Medal, since 1922.

Separate an appositive from the word it refers toThe scientists were fascinated by the species argyroneta

aquatica; , a spider that lives underwater.

Introduce a listSome of my favorite celebrities have their own blogs; ,

Lindsay Lohan, Rosie O’Donnell, and Zach Braff.

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TitleText BoxNEVER use a semicolon to. . .Separate independent clauses joined by and, but,

or, nor, for, so, or yetFive of the applicants had worked with spreadsheets; ,

but only one was familiar with database management.

When the two independent clauses contain internal punctuation:Five of the applicants, who all happened to be blonde,

had worked with spreadsheets; but only one, the ugly old man with the nerdy glasses, was familiar with database management.

Except

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USE COLONS

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#1. To direct attention to a list

The daily routine should include at least the following: twenty knee bends, fifty sit-ups, fifteen leg lifts, and five minutes of running in place.

#2. To direct attention to an appositive

My roommate is guilty of two of the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth.

#3. To direct attention to a quotation

Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin: “There never was a good war or a bad peace.”

VSConsider the words of

Benjamin Franklin who said, “There never was a good war or a bad peace.”

#4. To direct attention to a summary or an explanation

Faith is like love: It cannot be forced.

The novel is clearly autobiographical: The author even gives his own name to the main character.

When an independent clause follows a colon, it may begin with a capital or a lowercase letter.

TitleText BoxNEVER use a colon Between a verb and its object or complement

Some important vitamins found in vegetables are: vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C.

Between a preposition and its objectThe heart’s two pumps each consist of: an upper

chamber, or atrium, and a lower chamber, or ventricle.After such as, including, or for example

The NCAA regulates college athletic teams, including: basketball, baseball, softball, and football.

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