EXPANDING YOUR PUNCTUATION USE!
The Colon and Semicolon
First, a little humor…
What Benefits does using a semicolon have over using a coma? (Note: they are not necessarily
interchangeable)
Rules of the Semicolon
1: Suggests a close relationship between the first and second sentences: complete sentence + semicolon + complete sentence
*** Note that the sentences must both be complete, independent clauses. A comma cannot be used to separate two complete, independent clauses,
this is called a coma slice 2: A Semicolon can be used to break up items in a
list that is long and may already contain comas.*** Note that this is the only time a semicolon is used as a coma
3: Do NOT use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.)
Rule #1
I am going home; I intend to stay there.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.
Rule #2
There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Rule #3
I am going home; and I intend to stay there
It rained heavily in the afternoon; but we managed to have our picnic anyway.
Mary ate dinner; however, she was hungry an hour later.
Mary's dinner was made with several spices; for example, the chicken was sprinkled with Cayenne pepper.
*** Okay to use: Conjunctive adverbs are words that show a relationship between the two sentences: cause and effect, contrast, or comparison etc.: however, besides, finally, and hence. Transitional phrases move one sentence to the next in a logical way: in other words, moreover, and in addition.
Rules of the Colon
1: Used to join two sentences when a second sentence is needed to clarify or explain the first one: complete sentence + colon + complete sentence
2: Or, complete sentence + colon + clarifying noun phrase
*** This is the only situation where using an incomplete sentence after the colon is okay. 3: Colons may also precede a list: complete sentence +
colon + list *** Do NOT use a colon without a complete
sentence, not after “such as” or “for example” or “including”4: Before a quote: complete sentence + colon + quote
Rule #1
I believe in two things: the power of nature and the unpredictability of man.
Life is like a puzzle: half the fun is in trying to work it out.
Don’t bother coming over anymore: I’m not feeling well enough to meet up.
Rule #2
• She found their scaredy-cat dogs hiding in two different rooms: the living room and the bedroom.
• They could attribute his success to one thing: determination.
Rule #3
It is by the fortune of God that, in this country, we have three benefits: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the wisdom never to use either. (Mark Twain)
Rule #4
I try to live by a quote from Gone With the Wind: “After all, tomorrow is another day!”
Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”
For Further Explanation and Examples…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwN4qvHAwo