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The Colon and Semicolon

The Colon and Semicolon . Expanding your punctuation use!. First, a little humor…. What Benefits does using a semicolon have over using a coma? (Note: they are not necessarily interchangeable) . Rules of the Semicolon.

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The Colon and Semicolon

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  1. The Colon and Semicolon Expanding your punctuation use!

  2. First, a little humor… What Benefits does using a semicolon have over using a coma? (Note: they are not necessarily interchangeable)

  3. Rules of the Semicolon 1: Suggests a close relationship between the first and second sentences: complete sentence + semicolon + complete sentence *** Note that the sentences must both be complete, independent clauses. A comma cannot be used to separate two complete, independent clauses, this is called a coma slice 2: A Semicolon can be used to break up items in a list that is long and may already contain comas. *** Note that this is the only time a semicolon is used as a coma 3: Do NOT use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.)

  4. Rule #1 I am going home; I intend to stay there. It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway. They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.

  5. Rule #2 There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat. This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

  6. Rule #3 I am going home; and I intend to stay there It rained heavily in the afternoon; but we managed to have our picnic anyway. Mary ate dinner; however, she was hungry an hour later. Mary's dinner was made with several spices; for example, the chicken was sprinkled with Cayenne pepper. *** Okay to use: Conjunctive adverbs are words that show a relationship between the two sentences: cause and effect, contrast, or comparison etc.: however, besides, finally, and hence.Transitional phrasesmove one sentence to the next in a logical way: in other words, moreover, and in addition.

  7. Rules of the Colon 1: Used to join two sentences when a second sentence is needed to clarify or explain the first one: complete sentence + colon + complete sentence 2: Or, complete sentence + colon + clarifying noun phrase *** This is the only situation where using an incomplete sentence after the colon is okay. 3: Colons may also precede a list: complete sentence + colon + list *** Do NOT use a colon without a complete sentence, not after “such as” or “for example” or “including” 4: Before a quote: complete sentence + colon + quote

  8. Rule #1 I believe in two things: the power of nature and the unpredictability of man. Life is like a puzzle: half the fun is in trying to work it out. Don’t bother coming over anymore: I’m not feeling well enough to meet up.

  9. Rule #2 • She found their scaredy-cat dogs hiding in two different rooms: the living room and the bedroom. • They could attribute his success to one thing: determination.

  10. Rule #3 It is by the fortune of God that, in this country, we have three benefits: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the wisdom never to use either. (Mark Twain)

  11. Rule #4 I try to live by a quote from Gone With the Wind: “After all, tomorrow is another day!” Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”

  12. For Further Explanation and Examples… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwN4qvHAwo

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