SEMICOLONS & COLONS Rules to Remember!

Semicolons #1 – Separate two independent clauses (like a period). (Replace FANBOYS) #2 - Clarify a series #3 – Combine independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases

Rule 1: Separate independent clauses Semicolons separate two or more independent clauses. They work like periods, but are used for simple sentences you want to link together. Kyle is a wonderful man; he never stops helping people. ALWAYS check for independent clauses on either side of the semicolon.

#1 Continued- Semicolons to REPLACE ,FANBOYS Works like a “,fanboy” to combine sentences Gives a different emphasis than a period Kyle is a wonderful man, for he never stops helping people. (fanboy) Kyle is a wonderful man; he never stops helping people.

#2 Semicolons to BREAK UP items in a series that contain commas. My favorite places to visit are Sedona, Arizona; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Door County, Wisconsin; and San Francisco, California. The semicolons work to help clarify the list; if it didn’t use semicolons, it would be confusing. My favorite places to visit are Sedona, Arizona, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Door County, Wisconsin, and San Francisco, California.

#3 Semicolons with independent clauses that use these words (conjunctive adverbs & transitional phrases): Accordingly Also Hence However Therefore Furthermore Instead Otherwise Nevertheless Moreover In fact For instance Thus For example

Example: Kyle is a wonderful man; for example, he never stops helping people. Make sure you STILL check for independent clauses before using the semicolon: Mrs. Grimes doesn’t mind teaching grammar; however, she knows that Jack Miller isn’t always paying attention.

SO… there are 5 ways to combine independent clauses Period Kyle is a wonderful man. He never stops helping people. FANBOYS Kyle is a wonderful man, for he never stops helping people. Semicolons Kyle is a wonderful man; he never stops helping people. Semicolons, Conjunctive adverbs/trans, & Commas Kyle is a wonderful man; for example, he never stops helping people. And SOMETIMES colons…

COLONS #1 – Introduces an abrupt list #2 – Separate independent clauses when the second explains the first #3 – other uses Business letters (time 4:00) (Titles Decades of Disillusionment: The Kennedy- Johnson Years)

#1 – ABRUPT Lists Tomorrow you will need your book, a pencil, and a folder. (NO COLON) Please bring the following to class tomorrow: your book, a pencil, and a folder. (COLON!)

#2 Independent clauses When the SECOND clause EXPLAINS the first. George brings his lunch to class: he is always hungry 6th period. He is always hungry 5th period explains why George brings his lunch. Kyle is a wonderful man: he never stops helping people.

#3 – Business Letters, time, titles Dear Sir: 12:34 Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, and A Dream 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology