1. Semicolons and Colons
English 11

2. What is a semicolon?
A semicolon separates elements in a sentence. It indicates a more definite break than a comma.

3. What is a colon?
A colon is used after a word introducing a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series.

4. ; : What is the difference? A colon looks like this
A semicolon looks like this ;
A colon looks like this :

5. Ways to use a semicolon
joining independent clauses of a compound sentence in which no coordinating conjunction is used
between independent clauses that are joined by a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase
between independent clauses joined by a conjunction if either clause contains commas
to separate items in a series if one or more of the items contains commas

6. Semicolons with clauses
Semicolons are used to separate independent clauses in three different cases.
1. When there are no conjunctions separating the clauses.
Incorrect: I like you, John likes you, too.

7. Semicolons with clauses
2. When the clauses are separated by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase.
Alicia scored a perfect 36 on her ACT as a result, she received a full scholarship to Harvard.
I went to Burger King after the game however, everyone else went to Sonic.

8. Semicolons with clauses
3. When the clauses themselves contain commas.
Incorrect: He was raised in Jasper, Alabama, which is near Birmingham, but I grew up 700 miles away, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Since the clause already has a comma, a semicolon separating the clauses is needed to make the sentence clear.)

9. Semicolons to separate items in a series
Use a semicolon to separate items in a series if one or more of the items contains commas.
Example-
While on vacation, we visited Trenton, New Jersey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Sacramento, California.

10. Ways to use colons
after an independent clause to introduce a list of items
after the salutation in a business letter
between numbers indicating hours and minutes
to separate numerals in references to certain religious works (such as the Bible)

11. Explanations…
Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list of items.
Example-
Please bring the following items to the party chips, cokes, ice cream, and cookies.

12. Explanations… after the salutation in a business letter Dear Sir
between numbers indicating hours and minutes
The clock reads 3 15.
to separate numerals in references to certain religious works (such as the Bible)
Genesis 1 5

13. Hints Do not use a colon directly after a verb.
Incorrect-- The school should provide: laptops, clothes, and new cars.
When using a colon to introduce a list, check to see if an independent clause comes right before it. If it doesn’t, you are using it incorrectly.
When using a semicolon to join independent clauses, be sure there is an independent clause on either side of it.
Do not use a semicolon to join clauses that are not related. Example: I went to Burger King last night; my shoes are too tight.

14. Practice You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.
I needed only three cards to win the game a king, a jack, and a ten.
The order was requested six weeks ago therefore I expected the shipment to arrive by now.

15. Practice continued…
The American flag has three colors red, white, and blue.
Clothes are often made from synthetic material in fact rayon is the most popular.
If you believe in magic, magical things will happen, but if you do not believe in magic, you will discover nothing to be magical.

16. Practice continued…
I have been to San Francisco, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
I need a few items from the store clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

17. Practice continued…
I answered the phone, but no one was on the other end of the line.
I wanted a cup of coffee however the waitress brought a glass of milk.
I gave her a lot of money while we were married, therefore I will not pay her another dime in alimony.