Semicolons and Colons Practice

colons

A colon means "that is to say" or "here's what I mean." Colons and semicolons should never be used interchangeably.

Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.

Bring any two items however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.

Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.

Call me tomorrow you can give me an answer then.

Correct Example: I want the following: butter, sugar, and flour. Incorrect: I want: butter, sugar, and flour.

Correct Example: I want the following butter, sugar, and flour. Incorrect: I want butter, sugar, and flour.

Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

Dear Ms. Rodriguez

He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.

He got what he worked for he really earned that promotion.

semicolons

Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause -- slightly longer than a comma's pause, but short of a period's full stop.

The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well.

The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho Springfield, California Alamo, Tennessee and other places as well.

When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you and that is a promise I will keep.

You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing.

You may be required to bring many things sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing.