: and ; and -- How to use them properly

; Semicolon’s three functions Semicolon’s three functions 1. As a comma replacement in lists or series that contain internal commas. 2. To join closely related independent clauses that do not contain a coordinating conjunction. 3. To join closely related independent clauses that are separated with a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb.

; As a comma replacement in a series with internal punctuation. As a comma replacement in a series with internal punctuation. 1. I am going to visit the following places: Mumbai, India; Vancouver, Canada; Pine Bush, NY; and Lisbon, Portugal. 2. For breakfast I ate: pizza, which was cold; flapjacks, which were rubbery; and a grapefruit, which was sour.

; To join closely related independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction. To join closely related independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction. 1.I went swimming; it was hot. 2. Wilson shot me in my pool; his wife was dead.

Things to remember: Semicolon implies a relationship between two clauses without directly stating it. Semicolon implies a relationship between two clauses without directly stating it. Do not capitalize first word after semicolon (unless it is a proper noun). Do not capitalize first word after semicolon (unless it is a proper noun). Do not use a semicolon to link two independent clauses if there is a coordinating conjunction between them. Do not use a semicolon to link two independent clauses if there is a coordinating conjunction between them.

; To join independent clauses that are linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb. To join independent clauses that are linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb. 1.I didn’t run over Wilson’s wife; of course, he shot me anyway. 2.I was in the car that ran her over; however, I wasn’t driving.

Some definitions Transitional phrase: a phrase that leads one idea to another indicating a logical relationship between them.Transitional phrase: a phrase that leads one idea to another indicating a logical relationship between them. (Examples: As a result, more importantly, of course, on the contrary, that is to say, etc.) Conjunctive adverb: Adverb that connects two clauses. (Not a coordinating conjunction! FANBOYS)Conjunctive adverb: Adverb that connects two clauses. (Not a coordinating conjunction! FANBOYS) (Examples: However, moreover, consequently, subsequently, therefore, accordingly, etc.)

: Colons are used to introduce information you want to emphasize. Colons are used to introduce information you want to emphasize. 1.Wilson wanted one thing: revenge. (word) 2.There was only one way it could have ended: the death of Gatsby. (phrase) 3.Wilson wasn’t going to give up until he did what he came to do: kill Gatsby. (clause) 4.Wilson brought three things with him: his gun, his bullets, and his hate for Gatsby. (list)

: Only use when the sentence is complete before the item you want to introduce. Only use when the sentence is complete before the item you want to introduce. Do not use to interrupt an already complete sentence. Do not use to interrupt an already complete sentence. 1. Wilson was determined to: kill Gatsby. (INCORRECT) 2. Wilson was determined to do one thing: kill Gatsby.(CORRECT)

: Do not capitalize letters after a colon (unless it is a proper noun) Do not capitalize letters after a colon (unless it is a proper noun) Use to create drama and add emphasis. Use to create drama and add emphasis. My car looks faster than yours because of its racing stripes. (no drama) My car looks faster than yours for this important reason: it has racing stripes. (lots o’ drama)

-- The dash is also used for emphasis, but it is more abrupt than commas and parentheses. The dash is also used for emphasis, but it is more abrupt than commas and parentheses. Unlike with colons, information set off by dashes is non-essential. Unlike with colons, information set off by dashes is non-essential. If overused, it loses its effect of emphasis and abruptness. If overused, it loses its effect of emphasis and abruptness.

-- Used to indicate one of three things. 1. Abrupt break in thought “Barry’s new sweater—he won’t stop talking about it—isn’t even that nice.” (Complete thoughts are not necessary here. Dashes can interrupt a sentence)

-- 2. Parenthetical Material (additional explanatory information that does not change meaning of sentence) “There is only one thing—and that’s waffles— that Barry loves more than his new sweater.”

-- 3. “Namely”, “in other words”, “that is” replacement (or similar expressions) “Barry’s new sweater is covered in syrup— it’s the worst day of his life.”

Punctuation: Some things to keep in mind. 1. Not simply a set of rules for reducing grades on papers. 2. Its purpose is to clarify meaning. 3. Different marks are used in different situations to indicate different meanings and create different effects. 4. DO NOT OVERUSE. 5. BE PURPOSEFUL AND PRECISE.