1. Using Semicolons and Colons
Why are semicolons and colons important?
Semicolons between independent clauses
Colons before lists of items
Conventional uses of colons
Review A
Review B

2. Why are semicolons and colons important?
Like other punctuation marks, semicolons and colons are important because they help make writing clear. ;
The semicolon signals a pause in a sentence. :
The colon tells the reader “get ready for what’s next.”

3. Why are semicolons and colons important?
The letter below is hard to read because it is missing semicolons and colons.
Dear Garden Club Members:
It’s that time of year again; our vegetable garden awaits. Please show up at the site this Saturday morning at 7:30. If you can, bring the following: hoe, shovel, weed-puller, and gloves.
Dear Garden Club Members
It’s that time of year again our vegetable garden awaits. Please show up at the site this Saturday morning at 730. If you can, bring the following hoe, shovel, weed-puller, and gloves.
Notice how much clearer the letter is when semicolons and colons are added.
[End of Section]

4. Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clauses
are closely related in meaning and
are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet
Independent clause
Independent clause
The clouds are moving in; let’s head home.

5. Semicolons between independent clauses Independent clause
An independent clause (or main clause) has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause can stand by itself as a sentence.
Subject
Verb
The dolphins play in the ocean.
The dolphins play in the ocean.
The dolphins play in the ocean.
Subject
Verb
These animals are intelligent.
These animals are intelligent.
These animals are intelligent.

6. Semicolons between independent clauses
Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related.
Do not touch that tree frog; everyone stay together.
Incorrect
These two clauses aren’t closely related.
Do not touch that tree frog; it may be poisonous.
Do not touch that tree frog. Everyone stay together.
Correct
A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related.
These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them.

7. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed.
1. Jamie was on time Carrie was late.
2. Some reptiles like a dry climate others prefer a wet climate.
3. My parents’ anniversary is next week we are throwing a party for them.

8. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed.
1. Jamie was on time Carrie was late. ;
Clause #1: Jamie was on time
Clause #2: Carrie was late
These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

9. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed. ;
2. Some reptiles like a dry climate others prefer a wet climate.
Clause #1: Some reptiles like a dry climate
Clause #2: others prefer a wet climate
These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

10. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed.
3. My parents’ anniversary is next week we are throwing a party for them. ;
Clause #1: My parents’ anniversary is next week
Clause #2: we are throwing a party for them
These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

11. Semicolons between independent clauses
On Your Own
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
Bring a sweater it will be cold tonight.
Your grades have improved you will easily pass the course.
His mother is a doctor his father owns a computer store.
4. Suki finished her homework then she went to Dana’s house.

12. Semicolons between independent clauses
Answers
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
Bring a sweater it will be cold tonight.
Your grades have improved you will easily pass the course.
His mother is a doctor his father owns a computer store.
4. Suki finished her homework then she went to Dana’s house. ; ; ; ;

13. Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
Kim loaded the camera incorrectly; therefore, the film was ruined.
therefore,
I like cotton; in fact, most of my clothes are made of cotton.
in fact,
Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are followed by commas.

14. Semicolons between independent clauses Conjunctive adverbs
Common Conjunctive Adverbs
accordingly
furthermore
instead
nevertheless
besides
however
meanwhile
otherwise
consequently
indeed
moreover
therefore
A conjunctive adverb shows how ideas relate to each other. It expresses a relationship between two independent clauses.

15. Semicolons between independent clauses Transitional expressions
Common Transitional Expressions
as a result
for example
for instance
in fact
in addition
in conclusion
in other words
that is
A transitional expression shows how ideas fit together. It makes a connection between the ideas in two independent clauses.

16. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. Janet brought the paint as a result, she started working before we did.
2. We planned to go to Miami however, our flight was canceled.
3. Kevin will play the bass drum in the concert in addition, he will play the symbols.

17. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. Janet brought the paint as a result, she started working before we did. ;
A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by transitional expressions such as as a result.

18. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. ;
2. We planned to go to Miami however, our flight was canceled.
A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs such as however.

19. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. ;
3. Kevin will play the bass drum in the concert in addition, he will play the symbols.
A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by transitional expressions such as in addition.

20. Semicolons between independent clauses
On Your Own
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. My dog can do many tricks for example, he can roll over and crawl on his belly.
2. The best defensive players are Carlos, Will, and Fred, however, Matt and Jamal are great on defense.
3. I have to study tonight; otherwise, I would go with you.
4. I’ve decided not to take French, instead, I plan to take Spanish.
[End of Section]

21. Semicolons between independent clauses
Answers
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. My dog can do many tricks for example, he can roll over and crawl on his belly.
2. The best defensive players are Carlos, Will, and Fred, however, Matt and Jamal are great on defense.
3. I have to study tonight; otherwise, I would go with you.
4. I’ve decided not to take French, instead, I plan to take Spanish. ; ; ^ C ; ^

22. Colons before lists of items
Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following and as follows.
Please bring the following to class tomorrow: your writing journal, a pen, and your imagination.
The primary colors are as follows: red, blue, and yellow.

23. Colons before lists of items
Do not place a colon right after a verb.
Verb
Marcelo’s hobbies include: fishing, hiking, and painting.
Incorrect
Correct
Marcelo’s hobbies include fishing, hiking, and painting.
Correct
Marcelo’s hobbies include the following: fishing, hiking, and painting.

24. Colons before lists of items
Do not place a colon right after a preposition.
Preposition
Last fall we traveled through: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Incorrect
Correct
Last fall we traveled through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Correct
Last fall we traveled through the following states: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

25. Colons before lists of items Prepositions
Common Prepositions
about at in to
above
except
like
upon as
for on
with
Preposition
Preposition
at the movies
with Mike, Carla, and me

26. Colons before lists of items
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. At the party I saw four of my close friends Keith, Jan, Julio, and Hank.
2. At the picnic we had chicken, salad, corn, and rolls.
3. Please bring the following safety equipment knee pads, elbow pads, and helmet.

27. Colons before lists of items
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. :
1. At the party I saw four of my close friends Keith, Jan, Julio, and Hank.
Keith, Jan, Julio, and Hank is a list of names. Use a colon before a list.

28. Colons before lists of items
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
2. At the picnic we had chicken, salad, corn, and rolls. C
Had is a verb introducing the list of items.
Do not place a colon right after a verb.

29. Colons before lists of items
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. :
3. Please bring the following safety equipment knee pads, elbow pads, and helmet.
Knee pads, elbow pads, and helmet is a list of items.
Use a colon before a list.

30. Colons before lists of items
On Your Own
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
We visited the following cities Memphis, Little Rock, Dallas, and Shreveport.
2. The recipe for the stew called for lamb, carrots, potatoes, and onions.
3. A good baby sitter will have certain qualities common sense, interest in children, and reliability.
[End of Section]

31. Colons before lists of items
Answers
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
We visited the following cities Memphis, Little Rock, Dallas, and Shreveport.
2. The recipe for the stew called for lamb, carrots, potatoes, and onions.
3. A good baby sitter will have certain qualities common sense, interest in children, and reliability. : C :

32. Conventional uses of colons
Use a colon in certain conventional situations.
Between the hour and the minute in times
8:15 this evening
6:00 in the morning

33. Conventional uses of colons
Use a colon in certain conventional situations.
Between chapter and verse in biblical references
I Chronicles 22:6–19
Matthew 6:9–13

34. Conventional uses of colons
Use a colon in certain conventional situations.
After the salutation of a business letter
Dear Ms. Weinberg:
Dear Sales Manager:

35. Conventional uses of colons
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. The first bell rings at 8 10, and the second bell rings at 8 30.
2. The shortest verse in the Bible is John
3. I began the letter “Dear Mr. Benson I was happy with the service at your bike shop.”

36. Conventional uses of colons
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. :
1. The first bell rings at 8 10, and the second bell rings at 8 30. :
Use a colon between the hour and the minutes in times of day.

37. Conventional uses of colons
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. :
2. The shortest verse in the Bible is John
Use a colon between the chapter and the verse in biblical references.

38. Conventional uses of colons
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. :
3. I began the letter “Dear Mr. Benson I was happy with the service at your bike shop.”
Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.

39. Conventional uses of colons
On Your Own
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. The letter began “Dear Sales Manager I am having a problem with a product from your store.”
2. Dad woke us up at 5 45, and we left for the lake at
3. Then the minister recited John 3 16.
4. Please call me by 5 15 tomorrow.
[End of Section]

40. Conventional uses of colons
Answers
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. The letter began “Dear Sales Manager I am having a problem with a product from your store.”
2. Dad woke us up at 5 45, and we left for the lake at
3. Then the minister recited John 3 16.
4. Please call me by 5 15 tomorrow. : : : : :

41. Review A
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. A blizzard hit late that morning, by noon the roads were covered with snow and ice.
2. It’s too cold to go for a walk besides, I need to finish my book report today.
3. Aunt Terry loves hiking she often spends the entire day in the mountains.
4. Joanna, your team will be called The Hornets my team will be called The Dragons.
[End of Section]

42. Review A
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. A blizzard hit late that morning, by noon the roads were covered with snow and ice.
2. It’s too cold to go for a walk besides, I need to finish my book report today.
3. Aunt Terry loves hiking she often spends the entire day in the mountains.
4. Joanna, your team will be called The Hornets my team will be called The Dragons. ; ; ; ;

43. Review B
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. Add these items to your shopping list tissues, toothpaste, and shampoo.
2. Do you really know Ruth 1 16 by heart?
3. A good friend should be honest, loyal, and kind.
4. The concert began at 8 10 and was over at about 9 30.
5. For the cover letter I wrote “Dear Sir or Madam My entry form is enclosed.”
[End of Section]

44. Review B
Add colons where they are needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. Add these items to your shopping list tissues, toothpaste, and shampoo.
2. Do you really know Ruth 1 16 by heart?
3. A good friend should be honest, loyal, and kind.
4. The concert began at 8 10 and was over at about 9 30.
5. For the cover letter I wrote, “Dear Sir or Madam My entry form is enclosed.” : : C : : :

45. The End