Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

Semicolon Rule #1 Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses (complete sentences) that are closely related. Examples Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then. The Eagles let down the city of Philadelphia; Mike Vick’s return is questionable.

Semicolon Rule #2 Use a semicolon along with a conjunctive adverb and a comma to clarify the relationship between two closely related complete sentences. Conjunctive adverbs include however, therefore, in addition, moreover, subsequently, consequently, instead, and additionally.

Semicolon Rule #2 (Contd.) Examples The Leaning Tower of Pisa is in danger of falling over; however, engineers are trying to stabilize its foundation. The Phillies pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in February; therefore, baseball season is just around the corner.

Semicolon Rule # 3 Use the semicolon to separate items of a series when one or more of the items contain commas. Examples: This wedding has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee. The basketball coaches at CMS are Mr. Liddell, a math teacher; Mr. Sinn, a guidance counselor; and Ms. Lesniak, a physical education teacher.

Colon Rule #1 Use a colon to signal a series (list) of words, phrases, or clauses after a complete sentence. Examples: The baseball coach claimed that his team's success stemmed from three things: solid hitting, consistent pitching, and good fielding. Philadelphia is known for its famous food: cheesesteaks, pretzels, and Tastykakes.

Colon Rule #2 Use a colon to separate an explanation, rule or example from a preceding independent clause. Examples: After a sleepless night, the senator made her decision: she would not seek re-election. Jamie bought the car she had always wanted: a Volkswagen Passat.

Misuse of the Colon An independent clause must always precede a colon. Do not use a colon to separate a verb and its object, a verb and its complement, or a preposition and its object. Examples: The candidates for Student Association  President are: Steven Holden, Julie Dwire, and Amy Besette. The vendors had an interesting selection of: reed baskets, alpaca sweaters, silver jewelry, and terracotta pots.

Dash Dashes may replace commas, colons and parenthesis to indicate added emphasis, an interruption or a change in thought. To form a dash, type a word, hit the hyphen key twice, and then type the second work. The computer will automatically form the dash. A dash is less formal than a colon or a comma. It is meant for emphasis! Note- a dash should be used sparingly in formal writing.

Examples of a Dash You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help me. Never have I met such a lovely person— before you.

Practice with Colons and Semicolons Emily did not train for the start of field hockey season therefore she could not finish the three mile run. The winners of the contest are as follows Jamie, Steven, Billy, Randy, and Violet. We visited Eerie Pennsylvania Buffalo New York and Birmingham, Alabama. Leslie hoped that she would earn a spot on the team in her favorite position catcher.

Practice with Colons and Semicolons 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. John is Canadian however he lives in the United States. John has all the ingredients minced clams, milk, potatoes, and onions. It rained heavily during the afternoon but 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.

Practice with Colons and Semicolons The preoccupied burglar didn't notice who was standing right behind him a smiling police officer. You should get your brakes fixed otherwise, you might have an accident. They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark so they decided to camp for the night. He was watching his favorite type of television program a baseball game. Mrs. Sellars was very pleased with the class participation she decided to reward them with stickers.

Practice adding dashes to the following sentences. John has all the ingredients minced clams milk potatoes and onions. My agreement with Dana is clear I teach her French and she teaches me German I make dinner he does all the dishes. Jillian got the present that she always wanted gray Uggs.