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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Examples 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.

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.

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

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.”

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.