1. I can use semicolons and colons correctly in writing.
Semicolons & Colons
I can use semicolons and colons correctly in writing.

2. Semicolon (;) Rules
1. Use a semicolon to join independent clauses that are “closely” related in meaning.
1A. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are “closely” related in meaning if they are not joined by FANBOYS. (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
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.
1B. Use a semicolon to take the place of a period to join two or more clauses that are closely related.
Manuel looked out at the downpour. Then he put on his raincoat and boots. {Two simple sentences}
Manuel looked out at the downpour; then he put on his raincoat and boots. {One compound sentence}
Rain soaked the earth. Plants became green. Fragrant flowers bloomed. {3 simple sentences}
Rain soaked the earth; plants became green; fragrant flowers bloomed. {One compound sentence}

3. Semicolon (;) Rules Commonly used conjunctive adverbs
2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression.
Commonly used conjunctive adverbs
meanwhile
moreover
nevertheless
next
accordingly
otherwise
also
still
furthermore
then
besides
therefore
consequently
Commonly used transitional expressions
as a result
for example
for instance
in addition
in fact
that is
on the other hand
in other words

4. Rule 2 Examples
Katniss felt scared; however, she soon made a new friend.
My pet dragon does unusual tricks; for example, he rings a bell and says, “Wow.”
*Notice that the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase is preceded by a semicolon (;) and followed by a comma (,).

5. Semicolon (;) Rules
3. A semicolon, instead of a comma, may be needed to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the clauses already contain commas.
Alana, Eric, and Kim voted for Black Widow; and Scott, Roland, and Vanessa voted for Tony Stark.
Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Peter Parker saw a huge, green cloud traveling his direction; and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the city would be eaten by a horde of man-eating grasshoppers.

6. Semicolon (;) Rules
4. Use a semicolon between items in a series if the series contains commas.
I would like to introduce Iron Man, the machine; Bruce Banner, the scientist; Thor, the god; Black Widow and Hawkeye, the mere mortals.
I have traveled to Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Quantico, Virginia; Orlando, Florida; and Santa Cruz, California this year.
The Superhero Club will meet on Wednesday, September 12; Wednesday, September 19; and Tuesday, September 25.

7. Colon (:) Rules
1. Use a colon to mean “note what follows”
1A. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like “the following” and “as follows”
1B. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or a long quotation.
1C. Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea of the first clause

8. Colon (:) Examples
1A. You will need to bring the following equipment: a bow and arrow, lots of arrows, and a huge ego. 1B. Tony Stark had this to say: “I had my eyes opened. I came to realize that I had more to offer this world than just making things that blow up. And that is why, effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark Industries.” 1C. Thor had many qualities: He had a quick temper, was a fierce fighter, and was a great protector.

9. Colon (:) Rules 2A. Use a colon between the hour and the minute.
2. Use a colon in certain conventional situations
2A. Use a colon between the hour and the minute.
2B. Use a colon between titles and subtitles.
2C. Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.

10. Colon (:) Examples
2A. 10:30 A.M. 6:00 P.M. 2B. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2C. Dear Dr. Evil: To Whom It May Concern: