Colons & Semicolons

Semicolons  A semicolon tells the reader to pause longer than you would for a comma, not quite as long as you would for a period.  Semicolons are primarily used in compound sentences.  The semicolon takes the place of the comma and the conjunction joining the independent clauses.  A semicolon tells the reader to pause longer than you would for a comma, not quite as long as you would for a period.  Semicolons are primarily used in compound sentences.  The semicolon takes the place of the comma and the conjunction joining the independent clauses.

Examples  Examples:  First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk, and then I called you for the homework assignment.  First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk ; then I called you for the homework assignment.  Patty likes to act, but her sister gets stage fright.  Patty likes to act ; her sister gets stage fright.  Examples:  First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk, and then I called you for the homework assignment.  First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk ; then I called you for the homework assignment.  Patty likes to act, but her sister gets stage fright.  Patty likes to act ; her sister gets stage fright.

Semicolons  Similarly, a semicolon can take the place of a period between two independent clauses that are closely related.  Sarah looked out at the downpour. Then she put on her raincoat and boots. [two simple sentences]  Sarah looked out at the downpour ; then she put on her raincoat and boots.  Similarly, a semicolon can take the place of a period between two independent clauses that are closely related.  Sarah looked out at the downpour. Then she put on her raincoat and boots. [two simple sentences]  Sarah looked out at the downpour ; then she put on her raincoat and boots.

Semicolons  Notice that the following sentences observe a complete thought on both sides of each semicolon. The two independent are not joined by and, but, or, nor, for, or yet.  Since the thoughts in the independent clauses in each sentence are closely related, a semicolon is better than a period.  Notice that the following sentences observe a complete thought on both sides of each semicolon. The two independent are not joined by and, but, or, nor, for, or yet.  Since the thoughts in the independent clauses in each sentence are closely related, a semicolon is better than a period.

Examples  Echoes of the anthem shivered in the air; the tears that slipped down many faces were not wiped away in shame. – Maya Angelou  The late pears mellow on a sunny shelf; smoked hams hang to the warmed barn rafters; the pantry shelves are loaded with 300 jars of fruit. - Thomas Wolfe  Knowledge without commitment is wasteful; commitment without knowledge is dangers. - Hubert H. Humphrey  Echoes of the anthem shivered in the air; the tears that slipped down many faces were not wiped away in shame. – Maya Angelou  The late pears mellow on a sunny shelf; smoked hams hang to the warmed barn rafters; the pantry shelves are loaded with 300 jars of fruit. - Thomas Wolfe  Knowledge without commitment is wasteful; commitment without knowledge is dangers. - Hubert H. Humphrey

Semicolons  Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, otherwise, therefore, however, consequently, instead, hence.  These words are often transitional expressions linking independent clauses. When used this way, they are preceded by a semicolon. They are, however, usually followed by a comma.  Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, otherwise, therefore, however, consequently, instead, hence.  These words are often transitional expressions linking independent clauses. When used this way, they are preceded by a semicolon. They are, however, usually followed by a comma.

Examples  Emma felt shy; however, she soon made some friends.  My parents are strict; for example, I can watch TV only on the weekends.  Emma felt shy; however, she soon made some friends.  My parents are strict; for example, I can watch TV only on the weekends.

Semicolon  A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when there are commas within the clauses. This makes a sentence clear.  Confusing: Ana, Eric, and Kim voted for her, and Scott and Vanessa voted for Jason.  Clear: Alan, Eric, and Kim voted for her; and Scott and Vanessa voted for Jason.  Confusing: Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Leo saw a huge, green cloud traveling in his direction, and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the crops would soon be eaten by a horde of grasshoppers.  Clear: Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Leo saw a huge, green cloud traveling in his direction; and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the crops would soon be eaten by a horde of grasshoppers.  A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when there are commas within the clauses. This makes a sentence clear.  Confusing: Ana, Eric, and Kim voted for her, and Scott and Vanessa voted for Jason.  Clear: Alan, Eric, and Kim voted for her; and Scott and Vanessa voted for Jason.  Confusing: Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Leo saw a huge, green cloud traveling in his direction, and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the crops would soon be eaten by a horde of grasshoppers.  Clear: Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Leo saw a huge, green cloud traveling in his direction; and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the crops would soon be eaten by a horde of grasshoppers.

Semicolons  Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.  I have post cards from Paris, France; Rome, Italy; Libson, Portugal; and London, England.  The Photography Club will meet on Wednesday, September 12; Wednesday, September 19; Tuesday, September 25; and Tuesday, October 2.  Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.  I have post cards from Paris, France; Rome, Italy; Libson, Portugal; and London, England.  The Photography Club will meet on Wednesday, September 12; Wednesday, September 19; Tuesday, September 25; and Tuesday, October 2.

Colons  Use a colon in the following ways:  To introduce a list of items  Between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or summarizes the first  To introduce a long or formal question  Use a colon in the following ways:  To introduce a list of items  Between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or summarizes the first  To introduce a long or formal question

Examples  The following dams are also located in the United States: Grand Coulee Dam, Shasta Dam, and Glen Canyon Dam.  The need for a dam was apparent: the Colorado flooded in the spring and dried to a trickle during the summer.  A local farmer wrote: “It’s impossible to farm seriously when you cannot be confident of a stead supply of water for your crops. This situation is intolerable for farmers.”  The following dams are also located in the United States: Grand Coulee Dam, Shasta Dam, and Glen Canyon Dam.  The need for a dam was apparent: the Colorado flooded in the spring and dried to a trickle during the summer.  A local farmer wrote: “It’s impossible to farm seriously when you cannot be confident of a stead supply of water for your crops. This situation is intolerable for farmers.”

Examples  Also use a colon in these cases:  Dear Mr. Rogers:  6:15 a.m.  Warning: Fire Hazard  Genesis 6:8  Do not use a colon after a verb, in the middle of a prepositional phrase, or after because or as.  Also use a colon in these cases:  Dear Mr. Rogers:  6:15 a.m.  Warning: Fire Hazard  Genesis 6:8  Do not use a colon after a verb, in the middle of a prepositional phrase, or after because or as.