Semicolons & Colons

Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses when

the independent clauses are not connected by a conjunction.

Incorrect: The students entered the room, the ACT booklets were handed out.

Correct: The students entered the room; the ACT booklets were handed out.

Incorrect: The bird soared the fish swam. Correct: The bird soared; the fish swam. Incorrect: Henry finished studying for the ACT; but he still had to take the

test. Correct: Henry finished studying for the ACT, but he still had to take the

test.[These two clauses are connected by a conjunction.]

The clause on either side of the semicolon

must be a complete sentence. The night before the SAT, Ken stayed up till midnight.Never use a semicolon with a dependent clause. Incorrect: Before he went home; Henry returned the Amsco ACT book to

the library. Correct: Before he went home, Henry returned the Amsco ACT book to

the library.

The worst pandemic in history , the bubonic

plague swept through Eurasia during the 1300s and killed nearly one in three people over 200 million.

A. no change B. nearly 1 in 3 people; over 200 million C. over 200 million; nearly 1 in 3 people. D . Over 200 million; nearly 1 in 3 people died.

D

Frequently, you will see two independent clauses joined by a semicolon and a transitional adverb (such as consequently, however, furthermore, indeed, moreover, nevertheless, therefore, and thus). Julie ate five brownies; however, Eileen ate

seven. Josh needed to buy peas; thus he ran to the

market.

Semicolons between independent clausesTransitional expressions

Common Transitional Expressionsas a result for example for instance in factin addition in conclusion in other words that is

A transitional expression show s how ideas fit together.It makes a connection between the ideas in two independent clauses and is followed by a comma.

Choral read S circle

The semicolon replaces the comma as the structural backbone of a series if the items already contain commas. The tennis tournament featured the surprise

comeback player, Koch, who dropped out last year due to injuries; the up-and-coming star Popp, who dominated the junior tour; and the current favorite, Farrington, who won five of the last six tournaments.

Colons are used after complete sentences

to introduce related information that usually comes in the form of a list, an explanation, or a quotation. When you see a colon, you should know to expect elaborating information.

The wedding had all the elements to make it a classic: the elegant bride, the weeping mother, and the fainting bridesmaids.

Incorrect: Bring these items to the ACT, an admission ticket,

pencils, erasers, and a watch. Correct: Bring these items to the ACT: an admission ticket,

pencils, erasers, and a watch. Incorrect: There is only one necessary personal trait,

perseverance. Correct: There is only necessary personal trait: perseverance. WRONG: The ingredients I need to make a cake: flour, butter,

sugar, and icing. RIGHT: I need several ingredients to make a cake: flour, butter,

sugar, and icing.

Place a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list or illustration.

Do not use a colon in these examples: Incorrect: You should bring: an admission

ticket, pencils, erasers, and a watch to the ACT. Correct: You should bring an admission ticket,

pencils, erasers, and a watch to the ACT.

There Should Never Be More Than One Colon

in a Sentence. WRONG: He brought many items on the

camping trip: a tent, a sleeping bag, a full cooking set, warm clothes, and several pairs of shoes: sneakers, boots, and sandals.

RIGHT: He brought many items on the camping trip: a tent, a sleeping bag, a full cooking set, warm clothes, sneakers, boots, and sandals.

My room is frequently contaminated by my

younger siblings, which can last for several hours.

A. siblings, which can last for several hoursB. siblings that can last for several hoursC. siblings it can last for several hoursD. siblings, while contamination can last several hoursE. siblings; the contamination can last for several hours

E