Punctuation Semicolons and Colons SemiColons Use a semicolon

Punctuation Semi-colons and Colons

Semi-Colons �Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two independent clauses where the conjunction has been left out. Example: Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.

Semi-Colons �Use a semicolon between two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. Example: Dennis plays baseball well; in fact, he would like to try out for a major-league team.

Semi-Colons �Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Example: This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Semi-Colons �Use the semicolon between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence. Example: When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

Colons �Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not appear. Example: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

Colons �Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of the first. Example: NOTE: The first word of the sentence following the colon is capitalized! Thomas Jefferson had many talents: He was a writer, a politician, an architect, and an inventor.

Colons �Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation. Example: Horace Mann had this to say: “Do not think of knocking out another person’s brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself ten years ago. ”

Colons �Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when addressing someone by his/her first name. Never use a semicolon after a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation for personal correspondence. Example: Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

Colons �Between hour and minute in time Ex: 10: 30 p. m. �Between chapter and verse in Biblical references Ex: Exodus 1: 6 -14) �Between titles and subtitles Ex: Whales: Giants of the Sea

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