Grammar Review: Semi-colon and colon

There are only TWO ways to use them! The first rule Use a semi-colon to separate two complete sentences which are closely related.

Notice, though, I said complete sentences! So, let’s say I write: He did not like to write papers. He had to write a paper on Hamlet. Notice– two complete sentences which are closely related. To sound like a more mature writer, I should try to combine simple sentences into more complex ones.

This is where the semi-colon comes in He did not like to write papers; he had to write a paper on Hamlet. We can join these two sentences, LIKE MAGIC, with just a semi-colon!!! These two sentences, though, must be complete!!!

Remember . . . We can also join two complete sentences (independent clauses) with a comma and a coordinating conjunction, though And, or, but, so, for, nor, yet are the coordinating conjunctions! He did not like to write papers, but he wrote a paper on Hamlet.

He did not like to write papers; however, he wrote a paper on Hamlet. Sometimes semicolons are accompanied by conjunctive adverbs – words such as however, moreover, therefore, nevertheless, consequently, as a result. He did not like to write papers; however, he wrote a paper on Hamlet.

Notice the pattern: semicolon + conjunctive adverb + comma ; as a result, semicolon + conjunctive adverb + comma This is a typical construction with semicolons

Rule number two: Use a semi-colon to separate items in a series which themselves contain commas! Huh? I like cats, dogs, bunnies, and hamsters. These elements are separated with a comma

But, when the list is really long But, when the list is really long . .and the things in the list include commas . . We must separate those items with a semi-colon to avoid confusion! The committee included Shawna DeMay, English teacher, from Lakeshore High School; Natalie Smith, English teacher, from L’Anse Creuse High School; Sara Smith, French teacher, from East Detroit High School; and Dwayne, “the rock” Johnson, from Hollywood, California.

The colon Review on its usage

1. The colon as introductory device A. List I grew a the following vegetables: corn, carrots, cucumber and squash. b. Quotation I nodded slowly: “You are tardy.” c. After a independent clause which acts as an introductory sentence In conclusion, I emphasized my main point: Hamlet is an awesome play. D. Formal appositive I showed slides of the best p lay on earth: Hamlet.

2. Special uses of the colon Numerals giving time -- 3:20 Biblical references Psalms 1:5 (Chapter, verse) Subtitles for books or magazines (Emotion: Learning to Control Feelings) Salutations in business letters (Dear Ms. DeMay: ) Labels used to signal important ideas (Warning: This product is for external use only)