Semicolon, Colons
colon in an explanatory quote:
David based his life on an old Ty Cobb quote: "Take your best swing at life, and swing for the seats".
colon in a list:
David was a fan of all the great Detroit Tiger players of the past: Al Kaline, Ty Cobb, Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan
colon in an explanation:
David's love of the Tigers can be traced back to his childhood: His first dream was to play in the Detroit uniform from the time he could walk.
Rule 5. Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
Example This conference has people that have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when those items contain punctuation such as a comma.
Example: We went on field trips to Topeka, Kansas; Freedom, Oklahoma; and Amarillo, Texas.
Incorrect
Exercising helps to keep you healthy fit, proper nutrition is also important.
Correct
I like going fishing; I don't like putting worms on hooks!
Correct
My dog likes to play with cats; however, my dog likes most animals.
Correct
Red is my favorite color; however, I like wearing blue sometimes.
True or False: A colon can be used in a clause that illustrates, extends, or amplifies the proceeding thought.
True
True or False: A colon can be used to emphasize a word or phrase.
True
Can you use a colon in a proportion?
Yes.
If the clause following the colon is a complete sentence, should it be capitalized?
Yes.
The colon comes after an _________________ _______________ and introduces a ________, an ______________, or an ___________________ ______________.
independent clause list, explanation, explanatory quotation
right or wrong? Fortnately, Justin had not eaten in the last few hours, so he did not get physically ill when Richelle said that.
right
right or wrong? Justin started listening to all of his favorite rock stars: Jimi Hendrex, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
right
right or wrong? Richelle tried to expand Justin's musical tastes: "You should listen to One Direction, too!"
right
right or wrong? Fortunately: Justin had not eaten in the last few hours, so he did not get physically ill when Richelle said that.
wrong
right or wrong? Justin started listening to all of his favorite rock stars, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
wrong
right or wrong? Richelle tried to expand Justin's musical tastes, "You should listen to one direction, too!"
wrong
Rule 1. You may use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
Examples Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
Incorrect
Memorize your speech you won't need your cheat notes.
Incorrect
My favorite snacks are: grapes popsicles and brownies.
Correct
My mother planted roses; the roses were all red.
What is one way a colon can be used?
(Answers may vary) Example: As a formal introduction
Give an example sentence using a colon to set of a list.
(Answers may vary) Example: There are many problems with my phone, but there are many ways to fix them: switch off of sprint, get a new case, and get 4G!
Give an example sentence using a colon to set off a speech.
(Answers may vary) Example: Mr. Mayo gave his speech to the 8th grade, about the high school: "Students, Greenwich High School is going to be very very different, but not wary, it should be exciting!" He went on to explain the possible ups and downs of Greenwich High School.
List 3 ways a colon can be used.
(Answers may vary) Example: To set off a formal introduction, to emphasize a word or phrase, and to set off a list
Rule 4. If these introductory words are followed by fewer than three items, do not use a semicolon. Simply enclose the introductory words in commas.
Example You may be required to bring many items, for instance, sleeping bags.
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses. (This eliminates the need for a comma and a conjunction.)
Example: Casey read a book; then he did a book report.
Rule 2. Do not use a semicolon in front of words such as therefore and however if they do not connect two complete sentences or are used as interrupters.
Examples I would, therefore, like a response. I would be happy, however, to volunteer for the Red Cross.
Rule 6. Use the semicolon between two sentences that are joined by a conjunction but already have one or more commas within the first sentence.
Examples When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
Rule 3. Use a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a list of three or more items and preceded by a complete sentence.
Examples You may be required to bring many items; e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing. OR You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing. NOTE: i.e. means that is e.g. means for example
True or False: A colon can never be used to introduce a long speech.
False
True or False: A colon can't be used to introduce a list.
False
True or False: You cannot use a colon in references between the place of publication and the publisher.
False
True or False: You use a colon after an introduction that is not a complete sentence, or an independent clause.
False
Incorrect
I don't like doing homework my homework is always in math.
Incorrect
I don't sleep well at night so I'm always tired during the day.
Incorrect
I have cable TV, cable TV always has good movies!